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

While Arsenal’s directness from last summer’s friendlies did not stick, the Rice-Zubimendi partnership did, showing how important these warm-up matches can be. — Art De Roché, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Advertisement In recent years, Warwick has also become beloved by younger generations for the directness that has defined her public persona. — Debbie Millman, Time, 25 July 2026

What appears to be true, however, is that Flick is prioritizing pace and directness while learning that in modern football, the best teams have several options down the flank to provide support to the likes of Lamine Yamal. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

That directness, JayQuan says, is hip-hop’s biggest gift to the world. — Abraham Swee, USA Today, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for directness

• correctness
• perfectness
• incorrectness
• indirectness