CURTNESS Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

curtness

noun

Definition of curtness

as in brusqueness

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of curtness The curtness in his father’s voice was replaced by a syrupy, coaxing tone. — Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for curtness

Noun

Lighton presents it all with unvarnished honesty, allowing the tension and humor to bloom in the clash between Skarsgård’s forthright Scandinavian brusqueness, and Melling’s awkward British charm.

— Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2026
With off-putting brusqueness, the acupuncturist sticks needles into my head and left leg, leaves the room—and appears to forget all about me.

— Lucinda Rosenfeld, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025

Definition of brusqueness

Noun

Casting Bill Burr — the stand-up, who in recent years has repeatedly gone viral for speaking hard truths right to people’s face with all the bluntness of his blue-collar Boston roots — was a whole other layer of wish fulfillment for Sorkin.

— Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 10 Oct. 2026
Still, everyone onstage seemed amused and accustomed to Lange’s bluntness.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of bluntness

Noun

The scale and abruptness of natural disasters like Monday’s earthquake make for stark contrasts and difficult choices.

— Kim Córdova, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
And in some ways, the abruptness with which American leaders have rescinded their support serves to only further motivate those efforts.

— Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026

Definition of abruptness

Noun

Pegula, Anisimova and Gauff should be pleased with their early-round draws, which are more important on SW19’s grass than at any other Grand Slam, because of the shortness of the season and the lack of time to build rhythm.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 26 June 2026
How much of his life, his desperate desire for success, greatness, had been prompted by his shortness?

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Mar. 2026

Definition of shortness

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curtly

curtness

curtsy

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“Curtness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curtness. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of curtness

noun

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