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

---

laconic British  

/ ləˈkɒnɪk /

adjective

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

---

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

Mr. Kuznetsov is his tautly reserved partner, spending much of the movie listening, observing, posing pointed questions, laconic but alert.

From The Wall Street Journal

But perhaps the laconic statement from Marie Sherlock of the center-left Labour Party captured the spirit of this ugly encounter in a more realistic mode.

From Salon

Dry humor also pervades a novel that is enriched throughout by the laconic speech of the region.

From The Wall Street Journal

As played by the terrific Mr. Lutken, he is cordial but laconic, and possessed of a cool, dry humor.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brusque
• pithy
• terse