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 of directness

• honesty
• sincerity
• frankness
• bluntness
• forthrightness
• straightforwardness
• candor

Examples of directness in a Sentence

his directness is much appreciated by his patients

Recent Examples on the Web

These poems are made with some of the simplicity and directness of a song. — Colm Tóibín, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026

In their directness and simplicity, Laffont’s photos evoke the style-forward photographs that Malick Sidibé was taking in Mali at that same time. — Lucy Sante, Vanity Fair, 21 Sep. 2026

Rather than writing traditional Broadway show tunes, Sheik and Sater created a rock score that drew on the emotional directness of alternative music. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 18 Sep. 2026

Palace missed Sarr’s directness, with summer signing Dwight McNeil, Eddie Nketiah and Mateta not showing a full understanding. — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for directness

• correctness
• perfectness
• incorrectness
• indirectness