abrupt
3 synonyms for abrupt, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Happening suddenly and without warning.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use abrupt
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
abrupt end
abrupt change
abrupt manner
Etymology
From Latin abruptus, "broken off," the past participle of abrumpo — formed from ab ("away") plus rumpo ("to break"), the same root as "rupture" and "erupt."
Full origin of abrupt →Frequently asked questions
What does “abrupt” mean?
The word “abrupt” means happening suddenly and without warning. In plain terms, sudden and unexpected — whether it's an ending, a steep drop, or someone's curt tone of voice.
How do you pronounce “abrupt”?
“Abrupt” is pronounced uh-BRUHPT (/əˈbɹʌpt/ in IPA).
How do you use “abrupt” in a sentence?
Here is “abrupt” used in a sentence: “The meeting came to an abrupt end when the fire alarm sounded.”
What part of speech is “abrupt”?
“Abrupt” is an adjective.
Where does the word “abrupt” come from?
The word “abrupt” comes from Latin. From Latin abruptus, "broken off," the past participle of abrumpo — formed from ab ("away") plus rumpo ("to break"), the same root as "rupture" and "erupt.".
Is “abrupt” a common word?
“Abrupt” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “abrupt” have?
“Abrupt” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: happening suddenly and without warning.
