CANDIDNESS Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

candidness

noun

Definition of candidness

as in honesty

the free expression of one's true feelings and opinions candidness is something that we claim to admire—except when we are on the receiving end of a brutally honest assessment

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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 candidness In conversation, Friedland is rapaciously curious, if slightly disorganized, prone to tangents that lead to a candidness that can verge on cringe or awkward. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026 On May 29, Behar and her cohosts on The View reflected on recent comments from Rosie O'Donnell's about her facelift, praising her candidness. — Staff Author, InStyle, 29 May 2026 Some athletes early in this era proved that charisma and candidness coupled with their athletic skills could be highly lucrative. — Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026 The duo have become known for their candidness and light-hearted humor, frequently letting viewers in on the chaos of their real lives. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026 The title and author are set large in a text weight of Didot, echoing the candidness of the photo and the material. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 11 Dec. 2025 Angela’s candidness on the season gave viewers a glimpse into her relationship with Charles, including the aftermath of the 2017 incident at Madison Square Garden and accusations of infidelity. — MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025 Praised for her dry candidness and direct attitude online, Bethenny Frankel isn’t one to fall victim to a viral trend or product trap. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025 The world sees the behavior but rarely the illness behind it; this is what makes Gucci’s candidness about his journey so critical. — Essence, 23 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for candidness

Noun

Instead, that honesty built real trust with our community and clients.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Positive reviews often mention a high level of professionalism and honesty, while some negative feedback points to paying high fees that did not result in any tax resolution.

— Adam Palasciano, USA Today, 21 July 2026

Definition of honesty

Noun

Ironically, Harris’ candor about his unhappiness with the role is exactly the sort of blunt commentary Sheridan himself makes about his Hollywood experiences.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026
This environment reduces ambient fear, enabling innovation, candor, and superior performance.

— Alfonso Cahero, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of candor

Noun

What appears to be true, however, is that Flick is prioritizing pace and directness while learning that in modern football, the best teams have several options down the flank to provide support to the likes of Lamine Yamal.

— Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
In a tournament defined by vertical runs, through balls and dinks, Olise has been France’s main conductor, synthesising their high-pressing intensity and directness with creative rhythm.

— Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 29 June 2026

Definition of directness

Noun

Tshabalala’s bluntness about the economic cost is the rare honest signal here; business will not be pacified by euphemisms.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 10 July 2026
With his usual bluntness, Jokic said the Nuggets weren’t a good enough team to win last season based on the results.

— Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 June 2026

Definition of bluntness

Browse Nearby Words

candidly

candidness

candied

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“Candidness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/candidness. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of candidness

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