Synonyms for

Brief

Verb / bri:f / Another word for brief — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

lasting only a short time; concise and to the point

Synonyms & similar words

legalbrief abbreviated concise short terse succinct curt abrupt laconic pithy summary compressed ephemeral fleeting momentary transient transitory temporary short-lived transient evanescent

Synonyms by register

Formal

concise succinct terse abbreviated

Informal

short quick to the point cut short

Literary

ephemeral fleeting transient

Antonyms

long extended lengthy detailed comprehensive prolonged extensive

Common collocations

  • brief encounter
  • brief moment
  • brief period
  • brief summary
  • brief case
  • brief explanation
  • brief history
  • brief respite

Word family

noun brief
verb brief
adjective brief
adverb briefly

Usage note

As an adjective, 'brief' means short in duration or length. As a noun, it refers to a legal document or a short summary. 'Briefly' is the adverbial form.

Example sentences

  1. The meeting was brief, lasting only 10 minutes.
  2. Can you give me a brief summary of the story?
  3. Please be brief in your presentation.
  4. He gave a brief smile before turning away.
  5. I need a brief explanation of how to use this tool.

Quotes

  • Brevity is the soul of wit. - William Shakespeare
  • I would have written a shorter letter, but I did not have the time. - Blaise Pascal
  • Less is more. - Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

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