directness

noun

də-ˈrek(t)-nəs How to pronounce directness (audio)
Definition of directnessnext
as in honesty
the free expression of one's true feelings and opinions his directness is much appreciated by his patients

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 directness Marius, approaching 50, is a big doctor in this provincial city, not just a surgeon but the director of the hospital, and a man who prides himself on his directness and honesty. — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026 The songwriting of the era became another source of inspiration, particularly its directness and simplicity. — Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Advertisement In recent years, Warwick has also become beloved by younger generations for the directness that has defined her public persona. — Debbie Millman, Time, 25 July 2026 That directness, JayQuan says, is hip-hop’s biggest gift to the world. — Abraham Swee, USA Today, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for directness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for directness
  1. honesty
  2. sincerity
  3. frankness
  4. bluntness
  5. forthrightness
  6. straightforwardness
  7. candor
Noun
  • Like Kehlani and Tinashe, Jhené’s honesty transcended her commercial appeal.
    — Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 5 Oct. 2026
  • That is a fair point, but honesty cuts both ways; the factory of the past is a memory, not a reality.
    — Jeff Danielson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of honesty
Noun
  • Credibility question Corbett’s own sincerity, however, has been called into question in a defamation lawsuit regarding claims made against a client’s opponent in Burr Ridge’s 2019 mayoral race.
    — Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Their sincerity and humor come from the cast’s commitment to the mundane, said Ron Oliver, writer and director of many Hallmark films.
    — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of sincerity
Noun
  • The novel, published in 1988, foreshadowed the career to come by taking on, with disarming frankness, everything from child abuse to transracial adoption.
    — Casey Cep, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Horgan, whose Catastrophe charted the ups and downs of a relationship with painful, hilarious honesty, applies the same frankness to the minor indignities of midlife.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of frankness
Noun
  • Parsons’s bluntness could change the trajectory of a star’s career with a single headline.
    — Lindsey Weber, Vanity Fair, 28 Sep. 2026
  • What Premier League clubs have shifted away from is — and apologies for the bluntness here — tolerating goalkeepers who aren’t good enough at saving shots.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of bluntness
Noun
  • Alvarado has had to address that in the wake of the film’s release, and perhaps that forthrightness has aided the box office.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
  • Your forthrightness will set the tone for future dates.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 6 June 2026
Definition of forthrightness
Noun
  • Their impressiveness came from their straightforwardness, their precision and generosity of flavor, without needless curlicues or misguided deconstruction.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
  • What is genuinely remarkable, though, is that this meteoric machine drives with the straightforwardness of a Toyota Camry.
    — Sean Evans, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of straightforwardness
Noun
  • For all of Vollmann’s willingness to explore, his candor has limits.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The aim is not consensus at any cost but candor that could produce better execution.
    — John Radman, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of candor

Browse Nearby Words

direct mails
directness
director
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Cite this Entry

“Directness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directness. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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