Sudden or unexpected; curt or brusque in speech or manner (adjective)
Looking for the answer to the USA Today Rootonym clue “Sudden or unexpected; curt or brusque in speech or manner (adjective)”? The solution is ABRUPT, a 6-letter word built on the root RUPT (“break, burst”). It appeared in the August 20, 2026 (Thursday) USA Today Rootonym. See the full puzzle for that day's other words.
Answer
ABRUPT
**RUPTRUPTmeans “break, burst”
In a sentence
Ellen came to an ABRUPT stop when the car in front of her swerved to avoid a child.
About this clue
The Rootonym clue “Sudden or unexpected; curt or brusque in speech or manner (adjective)” has the answer ABRUPT (6 letters), built on the root RUPT, which means “break, burst”. Browse the full August 20, 2026 Rootonym puzzle for the other three words, or see all Rootonym answers.