BRUSK Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'brusque' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of brusque are bluff , blunt , crusty , curt , and gruff . While all these words mean "abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner," brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness. // a brusque response

Q: In what contexts can 'bluff' take the place of 'brusque'?

The meanings of bluff and brusque largely overlap; however, bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality. // a bluff manner

Q: When might 'blunt' be a better fit than 'brusque'?

While in some cases nearly identical to brusque , blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings. // a blunt appraisal

Q: Where would 'crusty' be a reasonable alternative to 'brusque'?

The words crusty and brusque are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness. // a crusty exterior

Q: When could 'curt' be used to replace 'brusque'?

The synonyms curt and brusque are sometimes interchangeable, but curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness. // a curt command

Q: When is 'gruff' a more appropriate choice than 'brusque'?

While the synonyms gruff and brusque are close in meaning, gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness. // puts on a gruff pose

brusque

adjective

ˈbrəsk

variants also brusk

Definition of brusque

as in abrupt

being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner a brusque and unhelpful reply from the clerk in the hardware store

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word brusque distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of brusque are bluff, blunt, crusty, curt, and gruff. While all these words mean "abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner," brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.

a brusque response

In what contexts can bluff take the place of brusque?

The meanings of bluff and brusque largely overlap; however, bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.

a bluff manner

When might blunt be a better fit than brusque?

While in some cases nearly identical to brusque, blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.

a blunt appraisal

Where would crusty be a reasonable alternative to brusque?

The words crusty and brusque are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.

a crusty exterior

When could curt be used to replace brusque?

The synonyms curt and brusque are sometimes interchangeable, but curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.

a curt command

When is gruff a more appropriate choice than brusque?

While the synonyms gruff and brusque are close in meaning, gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness.

puts on a gruff pose

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 brusque The Princess Diaries actress declined to participate in the sing-song and proceeded to give brusque answers to Flaa’s questions. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2024 Harry would’ve been grumpy and rude, making brusque jokes about inane gender stereotypes and asking direct, invasive questions about anatomy. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025 Commerzbank was previously targeted for takeover by the country’s largest lender Deutsche Bank, before the brusque collapse of initial talks in 2019. —Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2025 And Butler’s brusque, beady-eyed, scowling-hulk charisma has aged well. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brusque

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brusque

Adjective

The abrupt methodological switch to the CPM resulted in over $9 billion worth of section 482 allocations and deficiencies of about $3.4 billion for the three-year period.

— Ryan Finley, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

— Bay Area Weather Report, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2025