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 When answering questions or discussing hiring needs, be clear and succinct; when possible, tailor your response according to the candidate's background. —Sherri Reese, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 His direct and succinct communication style endeared him to Premier League fans, bringing fresh air to how managers interacted with media members. —Elias Burke, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025 On Wednesday, Bobby Stuckey got a message that was jarring and succinct. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2025 Originally written in 1959 and now in its umpteenth edition, its eighty-five succinct pages provide as much as advice about clarity as a college course in writing. —Jerry Weissman, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for succinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for succinct
  1. concise
  2. brief
  3. summary
Adjective
  • In a concise 30-to-45-minute session, volunteers learn to recognize warning signs, ask direct questions, validate the veterans' experience, and expedite referral to services—summarized by the acronym SAVE.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2025
  • Scheduling a concise daily standup meeting can keep alignment tight.
    — Max Avery, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of concise
Adjective
  • Just a brief walk from the preserve’s entrance, this unique grotto reveals a stunning 50-foot waterfall cascading into a jade-green pool.
    — Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
  • India is emerging after a brief conflict with Pakistan, with a ceasefire thankfully appearing to hold for now.
    — Vasuki Shastry, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Definition of brief
Adjective
  • 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
  • Deputy Attorney General Drew Ensign struggled to answer a barrage of Boasberg’s questions during a Thursday hearing in Washington’s federal court, home to a multi-week standoff over President Trump’s executive power to exert summary deportations in the name of national security.
    — David Catanese, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of summary

Browse Nearby Words

successors
succinct
succinctly
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“Succinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/succinct. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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