directness

noun

di·​rect·​ness də-ˈrek(t)-nəs How to pronounce directness (audio)
dī-
Synonyms of directnessnext
1
: the character of being accurate in course or aim
2
: strict pertinence : straightforwardness
Her directness was disarming.Robin Cook

Examples of directness in a Sentence

his directness is much appreciated by his patients
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Early on, the client read his directness as arrogance. Luis Peralta, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 Spain’s devastating directness with Yamal and Nico Williams was, along with their trademark midfield control, a major factor in their becoming European champions for a fourth time two years ago. New York Times, 10 June 2026 In contrast to this ribald directness, Kokopeli’s playsets feature characters who appear detached and disconnected. Theo Belci, Artforum, 2 June 2026 The title of Hu Anyan’s memoir anticipates the directness of his prose. Rumaan Alam, The New York Review of Books, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for directness

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of directness was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Directness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/directness. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on directness

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster