laconic

American  

[luh-kon-ik] / ləˈkɒn ɪk /

adjective

1. using few words; expressing much in few words; concise.

   a laconic reply.

   Synonyms:

   succinct, terse, pithy, brief

   Antonyms:

   voluble

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laconic British  

/ ləˈkɒnɪk /

adjective

1. (of a person's speech) using few words; terse

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Other Word Forms

• laconically adverb
• unlaconic adjective

Etymology

Origin of laconic

1580–90; < Latin Lacōnicus < Greek Lakōnikós Laconian, equivalent to Lákōn a Laconian + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

When we meet Dusty, the laconic protagonist of “Rebuilding,” he has already lost so much.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s rough-hewn, simple, hardworking, not immune to the impermanent nature of the world but brought up short when that world goes awry; Mr. Edgerton has to give emotional depth to a laconic character.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Mamdani would present an enticing target to a political opponent of laconic self-discipline and charitable forbearance.

From The Wall Street Journal

It inspired his themes—war, fear, mutilation, endurance, courage, comradeship and death—and his laconic and stoical, virile and aggressive heroes.

From The Wall Street Journal

They eventually came up with “Laconic Gallery,” for Laconia, Greece, where Martin traces his roots, and because the word laconic perfectly describes Martin’s ethos: marked by the use of few words.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brusque
• pithy
• terse