Definition of compendiousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective compendious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of compendious are concise, laconic, pithy, succinct, summary, and terse. While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," 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 compendious?

The words concise and compendious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description

When might laconic be a better fit than compendious?

The synonyms laconic and compendious are sometimes interchangeable, but laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious.

an aloof and laconic stranger

How does the word pithy relate to other synonyms for compendious?

Pithy adds to succinct or terse the implication of richness of meaning or substance.

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

When is succinct a more appropriate choice than compendious?

In some situations, the words succinct and compendious are roughly equivalent. However, succinct implies the greatest possible compression.

a succinct letter of resignation

When can summary be used instead of compendious?

The meanings of summary and compendious largely overlap; however, summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation.

a summary listing of the year's main events

When is it sensible to use terse instead of compendious?

Although the words terse and compendious have much in common, 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 compendious In The Great Miscalculation: The Race to Save New York City’s Citicorp Tower (New York University Press, $27.95), Michael M. Greenburg goes into compendious detail about the debacle. Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025 The curious thing about this compendious, scrupulously researched biography, so rich in basketball and cultural lore, is that the best parts are not about basketball at all. Thomas Beller, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2023 Although employment has begun to recover, the need to create jobs has prompted several Indian states to suspend many of the country’s compendious labour regulations. The Economist, 27 June 2020 Nonetheless, astronomers and astrophysicists came together to write a single compendious paper about the event. Adrian Cho, Science | AAAS, 16 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compendious
Adjective
  • Interceptor drones as part of a comprehensive air defense system are now being sought by Middle East and Gulf countries amid the Iran war, according to Ukrainian officials.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • With overwhelming bipartisan support, Indiana enacted one of the most comprehensive state-level national security laws in the country.
    Joe Gebbia Sr, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The festival’s footprint is also laid out in a sunny and concise area of the university campus.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Drawing inspiration from the Cape’s waters, the menu is concise yet innovative.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Patients should see a medical provider for a thorough exam and bloodwork before starting the drugs, the doctor emphasized.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Still, the property is thorough in its offerings.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Officials said the chaotic incident quickly triggered a multi-agency pursuit, prompting officers to deploy tire-deflation devices along a highway before the situation escalated into a brief foot chase outside of Denver.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • After a brief separation in 2007 owing to William's reluctance to commit, the two reconciled, became engaged in 2010 and got married in an awe-inspiring wedding spectacle held at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Hiddink, Di Matteo, and Benitez all benefited from having players full of character as well as the ability to turn up on showpiece occasions.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Taylor, who has since made a full recovery, praised the students for their actions.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The judge considered hundreds of pages of evidence and testimony from San Diego officials, homeowners and their lawyers and determined that the city had not met the burden for what is called summary adjudication in any of the five causes of actions.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Such rights obviously do not include summary execution at sea.
    Mary Ellen O'Connell, The Conversation, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • My daughter’s learning disabilities required extensive intervention.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The Broncos’ third-round pick didn’t take a top-30 visit or have extensive pre-draft communication with Denver, as the organization typically keeps its board close to its vest.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • These open-air spaces, with their panoramic views of Barcelona, invite you to enjoy a casual meal under the Mediterranean sun or an intimate evening under the stars or to celebrate a special occasion or personal milestone.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The 19-story building features a glass facade, panoramic city and bay views and a nine-level parking structure.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Compendious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compendious. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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