succinct

adjective

(ˌ)sək-ˈsiŋ(k)t How to pronounce succinct (audio)
Definition of succinctnext
as in concise
marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning a pocket guide that provides succinct explanations for rules of grammar and punctuation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective succinct contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of succinct are compendious, concise, laconic, pithy, summary, and terse. While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," succinct implies the greatest possible compression.

a succinct letter of resignation

Where would compendious be a reasonable alternative to succinct?

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

a compendious dictionary

When is it sensible to use concise instead of succinct?

In some situations, the words concise and succinct are roughly equivalent. However, concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description

When might laconic be a better fit than succinct?

The words laconic and succinct are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious.

an aloof and laconic stranger

How is pithy related to other words for succinct?

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

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

When could summary be used to replace succinct?

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

a summary listing of the year's main events

When can terse be used instead of succinct?

While the synonyms terse and succinct 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 succinct Titles were often followed by a cascade of succinct bullet points, replacing the depth and flow of complete paragraphs. —J. Jasser, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2025 And for those needing a succinct catch-up on all things Panthers ... this is the place for you. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2025 Keep it succinct, metric-driven and focused on impact. —Bymary Elizabeth Bradford, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 What a succinct and evocative phrase to describe what AI can do for you. —David G.w. Birch, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for succinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for succinct
  1. concise
  2. brief
  3. summary
Adjective
  • The Journal Sentinel aims to provide both in-depth investigative journalism and quick, concise news updates.
    — Greg Borowski, jsonline.com, 11 July 2025
  • Solution: The first step is to establish a concise cyber risk governance committee charter, a high-trust document that outlines the committee's responsibilities, authority, composition and decision-making boundaries.
    — Phillimon Zongo, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Definition of concise
Adjective
  • After earning a reputation as a tackling machine at Syracuse, Clark signed with the Cowboys and quickly saw some brief work with the first-team unit during minicamp while Wilson was sidelined.
    — Nick Harris July 11, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2025
  • Consider what those two third graders learned in their brief hallway squabble.
    — Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025
Definition of brief
Adjective
  • Human Rights Watch said M23’s efforts to consolidate control of Goma have involved possible war crimes, including the summary execution of civilians in February.
    — Michela Wrong, NBC news, 6 June 2025
  • Unlike traditional employee income, business income does not always come with summary tax forms like the W2 at the end of the year.
    — Vlad Rusz, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Definition of summary

Browse Nearby Words

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succinct
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“Succinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/succinct. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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