Definitions

curtly

[kurt-lee] / ˈkɜrt li /

ADVERB

rudely

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bluntly crudely harshly

STRONG

discourteously

WEAK

barbarously boorishly brazenly coarsely contemptuously crassly disrespectfully imprudently indecently indecorously insolently loudly roughly sassily sharply snootily tactlessly unabashedly uncivilly uncouthly ungraciously vulgarly

Antonyms

WEAK

civilly courteously politely suavely

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.

So they were surprised when the staff curtly shot down their request without any explanation.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 20, 2025

I realised the man was the minister for health, Dr Thet Khaing Win, and approached him for an interview but he curtly rejected my request.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2025

When Ms. Ford asked her curtly, “Who do you think you are, Cleopatra?”

From New York Times • Jan. 13, 2024

“Listen, what I talk to Russell about is none of your business,” he said curtly to a reporter.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 16, 2023

I asked for a lawyer and was curtly refused.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

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