1
a
: sparing of words : terse
wrote curt precise sentences
b
: marked by rude or peremptory (see peremptory sense 3) shortness : brusque
a curt refusal
In a curt voice, he ordered the server to bring him a glass of water.
2
: shortened in linear dimension
curtly
adverb
curtness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of curt in a Sentence
He gave only a curt reply to the question.
she was offended by the curt reply to her well-meaning question
Recent Examples on the Web
But the crime scene is swiftly wiped clean, her body removed to avert suspicion and her phone sending curt messages about returning to Los Angeles for a job.
—
Devon Ivie, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2024
Synthesizers flash like emergency flares; the drums remain curt and clipped; vocalists trace breathy arcs in the space cleared by the bullish low-end.
—Elias Leight, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2024
Beckwith made the comments at a Monroe County Republican Party meeting in early October; on Monday, the head of his ticket, gubernatorial nominee and U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, gave a curt statement to IndyStar expressing disapproval.
—Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Oct. 2024
Here’s how to counter a less-than-ideal offer and negotiate for a higher wage:
Watch your tone
Negotiations are fraught with emotion; offering a curt response or exasperated sigh could kill the discussion, fast.
—Morgan Smith, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for curt 
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Devon Ivie, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2024
Synthesizers flash like emergency flares; the drums remain curt and clipped; vocalists trace breathy arcs in the space cleared by the bullish low-end.
—Elias Leight, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2024
Beckwith made the comments at a Monroe County Republican Party meeting in early October; on Monday, the head of his ticket, gubernatorial nominee and U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, gave a curt statement to IndyStar expressing disapproval.
—Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Oct. 2024
Here’s how to counter a less-than-ideal offer and negotiate for a higher wage:
Watch your tone
Negotiations are fraught with emotion; offering a curt response or exasperated sigh could kill the discussion, fast.
—Morgan Smith, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for curt
Dictionary Entries Near curt
Cite this Entry
“Curt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curt. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
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