Results

Definition of abrupt : 1. An abrupt place.
2. Broken off; very steep, or craggy, as rocks, precipices, banks; precipitous; steep; as, abrupt places.
3. Having sudden transitions from one subject to another; unconnected.
4. Suddenly terminating, as if cut off.
5. To tear off or asunder.
6. Without notice to prepare the mind for the event; sudden; hasty; unceremonious.

Synonyms:

piercing, disjointed, surprise, open, flat, short-spoken, uneven, sheer, astute, disconnected, crusty, blustering, uncivil, disunited, precipitate, precipitant, frank, garbled, overhasty, angular, disordered, shrill, scattered, split, unceremonious, level, matter-of-fact, rude, coarse, discriminating, acuate, irregular, bold, fragmented, impolite, broken, ceremonious, polite, uphill, steep, confused, falling, rugged, rough, knifelike, snippy, attitude, penetrative, ungracious, downright, discourteous, horizontal, crude, penetrating, brusk, direct, illogical, sharp-worded, inconsiderate, jagged, headlong, unconnected, unmannerly, plain-spoken, shrewd, staccato, bluff, gracious, impetuous, zigzag, needlelike

feverish, breakneck, flying, rapid, quick, pelting, bustling, impatient, running, brisk, breathless, fleet, speedy, fast, swift, hasty, rushing, urgent, darting, dashing, galloping, hurried

concise, terse, blunt, curt, incisive, brusque, to the point, compact, succinct, short, short and sweet, brief

improvised, ill-considered, unpremeditated, instantaneous, spontaneous, rash, impromptu, reflexive, impulsive, extemporaneous, unrehearsed

Draconian, strict, tart, authoritarian, exacting, piquant, austere, basic, stiff-necked, relentless, unbending, intolerant, correct, rigorous, keen, dour, oppressive, stark, gruff, ascetic, spare, imperial, fundamental, stringent, strait-laced, acerbic, chilly, harsh, prudish, puritanical, inflexible, cool, precise, dry, astringent, icy, censorious, rigid, acute, sharp, acrimonious, lean, stern, obstinate, intense, critical, demanding, caustic, uncompromising, meticulous, Spartan, severe, disciplined, crisp, grim, frosty, bleak, raw, obdurate, hidebound, cutting

precipitous, immediate, unexpected, sudden

Usage examples:

• He said, with an abrupt return to the personal ground: " Then you don't think Jack Wilmington need be any further considered in regard to her?" - "The Quality of Mercy", W. D. Howells.
• The abrupt arrival of an idea, the subtle start it gives to face or head or body, should be naturally suggested. - "Browning and the Dramatic Monologue", S. S. Curry.
• Just beyond this bridge, the land rose in abrupt ridges, parallel to the stream. - "The Conspiracy of Pontiac and the Indian War after the Conquest of Canada", Francis Parkman.