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.
Arsenal could look to play quicker to get the ball to him to fully benefit from Gyokeres’ speed and directness. James McNicholas, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2025 One encounters echoes of this legendary order in Siesbye’s bowls, as if the works present modern retellings of an ancient epic, embodying deep time and the present moment, directness and enigma alike. Ayşegül Savaş, New Yorker, 30 Nov. 2025 The directness of Mars was apparent on my trip. Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025 The researchers' findings show how recent AI models default to Western-style directness, completely missing the cultural cues that govern everyday interactions for millions of Persian speakers worldwide. ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Directness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/directness. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.

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