PITHY Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

pithy

adjective

ˈpi-thē

as in concise

marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning a fairly pithy criticism about a notably lengthy novel

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective pithy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pithy are compendious, concise, laconic, succinct, summary, and terse. While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," pithy adds to succinct or terse the implication of richness of meaning or substance.

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

When could compendious be used to replace pithy?

The words compendious and pithy can be used in similar contexts, but compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment.

a compendious dictionary

In what contexts can concise take the place of pithy?

Although the words concise and pithy have much in common, concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description

Where would laconic be a reasonable alternative to pithy?

In some situations, the words laconic and pithy are roughly equivalent. However, laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious.

an aloof and laconic stranger

When is it sensible to use succinct instead of pithy?

The words succinct and pithy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, succinct implies the greatest possible compression.

a succinct letter of resignation

When would summary be a good substitute for pithy?

The synonyms summary and pithy are sometimes interchangeable, but summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation.

a summary listing of the year's main events

When is terse a more appropriate choice than pithy?

The meanings of terse and pithy largely overlap; however, terse implies pointed conciseness.

a terse reply

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of pithy The young, hungry Parisian with the sunglasses and the bottomless reservoir of pithy maxims is more than ready to make his mark. —

David Fear, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025 Many native solitary bees use the hollow or pithy plant stems for shelter and nesting. —

Benjamin Vogt, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2025 Every development, or lack thereof, is ripe for impassioned speeches, pithy soundbites and orchestrated outrage. —

Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 12 Oct. 2025 Kerry McGawley, a professor and senior sports physiologist at the performance optimization company Orreco, recalls the pithy mantra recited to her by a professional Swedish cross-country skier more than a decade ago. —

Megan Feringa, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pithy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pithy

Adjective

The company is also upgrading a proofreading option for checking grammar and making messages more concise.

— Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
Just across the street, Miya is a quirky, two-room Thai charmer with a relatively concise menu of curries, noodles, soups, salads and vegetables.

— Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026