abrupt

[uh-bruhpt] / əˈbrʌpt /

ADJECTIVE

rude or brief in manner

Synonyms

WEAK

blunt brusque crude crusty curt direct discourteous gruff impetuous impolite matter-of-fact rough short snappy snippy uncivil ungracious

Antonyms

WEAK

at ease calm deliberate expansive gradual kind leisurely nice

ADJECTIVE

happening suddenly and unexpectedly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

hasty hurried precipitous quick sudden surprising unanticipated unexpected unforeseen

WEAK

jerky precipitate rushing unceremonious

Antonyms

STRONGEST

expected lazy slow

WEAK

at ease calm deliberate expansive gradual kind leisurely nice

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.

The situation today is an abrupt reversal for Xi from late 2016.

From The Wall Street Journal

“This translates into a market dynamic where any headline can trigger abrupt price movements.”

From Barron's

Asian equity markets rebounded Tuesday, an abrupt U-turn from the prior day.

From The Wall Street Journal

Those discussions laid the groundwork for an abrupt reversal more than 7,000 miles away in Florida.

From The Wall Street Journal

Instead, the 28-year-old is now pursuing an abrupt shift: becoming a full-time firefighter.

From The Wall Street Journal