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

Explanation

Laconic is an adjective that describes a style of speaking or writing that uses only a few words, often to express complex thoughts and ideas. A more laconic way to write that last sentence might be this: laconic means brief. There’s a friend of yours who doesn’t talk very much, and when he does, he says maybe three words and then becomes quiet again. You could describe that friend as laconic. The word comes from Laconia, a region in ancient Greece where the local Spartan rulers gave very short speeches. Being laconic can be bad when it sounds rude to be so brief, but it can be good if you’re in a rush to get somewhere.

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 • Mar. 19, 2026

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 • Mar. 18, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

Having neglected to pack writing paper, he began a laconic journal on some blank pages in the back of Tanaina Plantlore.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer

Related Words

• brusque
• pithy
• terse