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Synonyms

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 3, 2025

He held the screen, his laconic presence a perfect complement to Newman’s boisterous Butch.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.