curtly
In clipped tones
In a curt manner—brief to the point of rudeness.
Someone who responds curtly cuts the conversation short, often signaling impatience or displeasure: She curtly dismissed his suggestion.
The word implies not just brevity but a deliberate withholding of warmth or elaboration.
In few words
- conciseBriefly and clearly stated
- succinctExpressed with minimal words
- laconicBrief in expression
- pithyConcise and forceful
clipped · monosyllabic · economical · sparing · tight-lipped · short · crisp · compact
Abrupt and dismissive
- snappishShort-tempered, biting
- gruffHarsh in manner
- impoliteLacking good manners
- discourteousLacking good manners
ungracious · sharp · harsh · offhand · snippy · abrupt · peremptory · surly
Undeviating or to guide
- frankOpen and direct
- forthrightDirectly honest in manner
- candidHonest and direct
- plainlyIn obvious fashion
unvarnished · point-blank · straightforward · outspoken · undiplomatic · tactless · bluntly · no-nonsense
briefly
In few words
pithy · clipped · monosyllabic · economical · sparing · tight-lipped · short · crisp · compact · abridged
brusque
Abrupt and dismissive
discourteous · ungracious · sharp · harsh · offhand · snippy · abrupt · peremptory · surly · churlish
direct
Undeviating or to guide
- frankOpen and direct
- forthrightDirectly honest in manner
- candidHonest and direct
plainly · unvarnished · point-blank · straightforward · outspoken · undiplomatic · tactless · bluntly · no-nonsense · matter-of-fact
curtlylong-windedly
In an overextended manner
verbosely · wordily · diffusely · expansively · at length
- curt replyAbrupt, unfriendly response