directness
noun
di·rect·ness
də-ˈrek(t)-nəs 
dī-
1
: the character of being accurate in course or aim
2
: strict pertinence : straightforwardness
her directness was disarming—
Robin Cook
Robin Cook
Synonyms
Examples of directness in a Sentence
his directness is much appreciated by his patients
Recent Examples on the Web
Canet and Rohrwacher play off each other beautifully, his suave, even louche charisma often upended and disarmed by her directness of gaze and expression.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 Sep. 2023
The Reverend recalled how the royal's grandfather used directness — and some colorful language — to his advantage when persuading politicians and other civil servants to provide funding for the building that Prince William was visiting.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 6 Sep. 2023
Later, the very real give-and-take between her and a priest (Liam Neeson, superb in a welcome bit of quiet away from action-thriller terrain) is stirring in its unadorned directness.
—Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Sep. 2023
The directness of the language allows Pyle and the writers to nakedly address issues that in an ordinary comedy — not to say, ordinary conversation — would be cloaked in ambiguity and equivocation.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2023
Guettel’s score is worth waiting for, even constrained by the directness of the premise.
—Vulture, 6 June 2023
His current and potential competitors are beginning to make the case — with varying levels of directness — that voters should consider alternatives after the losses in the 2018 midterms, the 2020 general election, the 2021 Senate runoffs, and the 2022 midterms.
—Jess Bidgood, BostonGlobe.com, 27 Feb. 2023
Jessica Chermayeff and Ana Veselic, the couple who directed the docuseries, were instantly taken by this directness and her willingness to be vulnerable.
—Chioma Nnadi, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2023
Inspiration can often come from authentic directness and simple humanity.
—William Inboden, CNN, 8 Oct. 2022
See More
Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 Sep. 2023
The Reverend recalled how the royal's grandfather used directness — and some colorful language — to his advantage when persuading politicians and other civil servants to provide funding for the building that Prince William was visiting.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 6 Sep. 2023
Later, the very real give-and-take between her and a priest (Liam Neeson, superb in a welcome bit of quiet away from action-thriller terrain) is stirring in its unadorned directness.
—Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Sep. 2023
The directness of the language allows Pyle and the writers to nakedly address issues that in an ordinary comedy — not to say, ordinary conversation — would be cloaked in ambiguity and equivocation.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2023
Guettel’s score is worth waiting for, even constrained by the directness of the premise.
—Vulture, 6 June 2023
His current and potential competitors are beginning to make the case — with varying levels of directness — that voters should consider alternatives after the losses in the 2018 midterms, the 2020 general election, the 2021 Senate runoffs, and the 2022 midterms.
—Jess Bidgood, BostonGlobe.com, 27 Feb. 2023
Jessica Chermayeff and Ana Veselic, the couple who directed the docuseries, were instantly taken by this directness and her willingness to be vulnerable.
—Chioma Nnadi, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2023
Inspiration can often come from authentic directness and simple humanity.
—William Inboden, CNN, 8 Oct. 2022
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'directness.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near directness
Cite this Entry
“Directness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/directness. Accessed 23 Sep. 2023.
Copy Citation
More from Merriam-Webster on directness
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share