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

Synonyms

• bluntness
• candidness
• candor
• forthrightness
• frankness
• honesty
• openheartedness
• openness
• outspokenness
• plainness
• plainspokenness
• plumpness
• straightforwardness
• unguardedness
• unreserve
• unreservedness

Examples of directness in a Sentence

his directness is much appreciated by his patients

Recent Examples on the Web

Such directness is shown below in Doue’s forward carries, highlighting just how much the 20-year-old makes a beeline for the penalty area upon receiving the ball on either touchline. —Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 June 2025

Colonial history cannot be detached from such cuisine-making, and Thompson approaches it with directness and clarity. —Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 7 June 2025

His unusual combination of intense directness and inscrutability is one of the film's key conflicts, as Jerry and Dorothy (Renée Zellweger) struggle to build a new life together. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 24 May 2025

But allow me a moment of directness: Listen up, my friends — especially those of you in the large companies working in both production and distribution. —Martin Moszkowicz, Deadline, 17 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for directness

• correctness
• perfectness
• incorrectness
• indirectness