concise

adjective

kən-ˈsīs How to pronounce concise (audio)
Definition of concisenext
as in summary
marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning a concise article on violence in the media that manages to say more than most books on the subject

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective concise contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of concise are compendious, laconic, pithy, succinct, summary, and terse. While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description

When can compendious be used instead of concise?

The meanings of compendious and concise largely overlap; however, compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment.

a compendious dictionary

When could laconic be used to replace concise?

In some situations, the words laconic and concise are roughly equivalent. However, laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious.

an aloof and laconic stranger

How does the word pithy relate to other synonyms for concise?

Pithy adds to succinct or terse the implication of richness of meaning or substance.

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

When is it sensible to use succinct instead of concise?

The synonyms succinct and concise are sometimes interchangeable, but succinct implies the greatest possible compression.

a succinct letter of resignation

Where would summary be a reasonable alternative to concise?

While in some cases nearly identical to concise, summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation.

a summary listing of the year's main events

When would terse be a good substitute for concise?

While the synonyms terse and concise are close in meaning, terse implies pointed conciseness.

a terse reply

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 concise Her offbeat style and charming eccentricity informed the concise lineup in which high and low were intentionally merged. —WWD, 3 Mar. 2025 Its capability to automate tasks, analyze extensive datasets efficiently and provide concise business insights facilitates both the speed and quality of business operations. —Cory McNeley, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 And so do stylists Misa Hylton and June Ambrose, both who are notable women within the hip-hop industry renowned for their concise and career-defining work on behalf of Lil’ Kim and Missy Elliott respectively. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 28 Feb. 2025 If not, spend time crafting a concise and compelling elevator. —Jennifer Sodini, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for concise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concise
  1. summary
  2. brief
  3. succinct
Adjective
  • Organized labor wanted to institute procedural reforms to ensure that officers were given opportunities to correct bad behavior before being let go—no more summary firings.
    — Marc J. Dunkelman, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Sure enough, the summary destruction of that lonely Russian tank became fodder for the Phoenix drone group’s social media team.
    — David Axe, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Definition of summary
Adjective
  • As a result, his answers are brief and not all that stimulating.
    — Kevin Kurz, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The brief hearing, which focused on thorny jurisdictional issues, drew hundreds of demonstrators to the federal courthouse in lower Manhattan to denounce the Saturday arrest of Khalil, a permanent U.S. resident who is married to an American citizen.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of brief
Adjective
  • Asked after the Palomar board’s short special meeting Friday to explain the reason for the loan, Diane Hansen, Palomar’s chief executive officer, was more succinct.
    — Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Everyone is told before the show, be succinct, be memorable.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of succinct

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Cite this Entry

“Concise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concise. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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