ABRUPT Synonyms: 130 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'abrupt' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of abrupt are precipitous , sheer , and steep . While all these words mean "having an incline approaching the perpendicular," abrupt implies a sharper pitch and a sudden break in the level. // a beach with an abrupt drop-off

Q: When could 'precipitous' be used to replace 'abrupt'?

The words precipitous and abrupt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, precipitous applies to an incline approaching the vertical. // the river winds through a precipitous gorge

Q: When is 'sheer' a more appropriate choice than 'abrupt'?

The words sheer and abrupt can be used in similar contexts, but sheer suggests an unbroken perpendicular expanse. // sheer cliffs that daunted the climbers

Q: When would 'steep' be a good substitute for 'abrupt'?

The synonyms steep and abrupt are sometimes interchangeable, but steep implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult. // a steep hill // a steep dive

abrupt

adjective

ə-ˈbrəpt

Definition of abrupt

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as in blunt

being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner the policeman's abrupt manner discouraged me from trying to claim that I hadn't seen the red light

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as in steep

having an incline approaching the perpendicular the gentle, rolling hills gradually give way to high mountains with abrupt sides

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as in sudden

not expected his abrupt reappearance seems to have caught everyone off guard

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How is the word abrupt different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of abrupt are precipitous, sheer, and steep. While all these words mean "having an incline approaching the perpendicular," abrupt implies a sharper pitch and a sudden break in the level.

a beach with an abrupt drop-off

When could precipitous be used to replace abrupt?

The words precipitous and abrupt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, precipitous applies to an incline approaching the vertical.

the river winds through a precipitous gorge

When is sheer a more appropriate choice than abrupt?

The words sheer and abrupt can be used in similar contexts, but sheer suggests an unbroken perpendicular expanse.

sheer cliffs that daunted the climbers

When would steep be a good substitute for abrupt?

The synonyms steep and abrupt are sometimes interchangeable, but steep implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult.

a steep hill

a steep dive

Example Sentences

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 abrupt Following the abrupt cancellation, many fans were left frustrated and in disbelief. —Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 15 Mar. 2025 The lack of clarity and abrupt, near daily, shifts on what the administration actually plans to do is the worst thing for markets as companies can’t plan. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2025 That abrupt drop is reflected in the decrease in deportation flights. —Ronny Rojas, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025 Read More: Inside the Chaos, Confusion, and Heartbreak of Trump’s Foreign-Aid Freeze Lawsuits are mounting over the abrupt shutdown of most U.S. foreign assistance and the targeting of the aid agency. —TIME, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abrupt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrupt

Adjective

They were forced to their knees and guards shaved their heads and faces with blunt swoops of an electric razor.

— Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025
Varley’s grip, her taut observation of nerve-wracking isolation, loosens and the film devolves into a blunt and clichéd consideration of family.

— Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 2025