point-blank

adjective

ˈpȯint-ˈblaŋk 

1

a

: marked by no appreciable drop below initial horizontal line of flight

b

: so close to a target that a missile fired will travel in a straight line to the mark

2

: direct, blunt

a point-blank refusal

point-blank adverb

Examples of point-blank in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

More notable than Druckenmiller’s point-blank admission, however, was the WSJ‘s response cosigning Druckenmiller’s argument. — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 26 Aug. 2026

After a Rapids giveaway in their defensive third, Valakari opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a first-touch shot from point-blank range. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

Matty Longstaff played a low ball into the area from the right side that was parried by Marcinkowski at the front post before Ríos tapped in the rebound from point-blank range. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Marczuk had a chance to score in first-half stoppage time, but Crepeau made a point-blank save to keep the deficit at one headed into the break. — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for point-blank

• gangplank
• nonbank
• outflank
• sandbank
• antitank
• interbank
• riverbank
• banc
• bank
• blank
• clank
• crank

Kids Definition

point-blank

adjective

ˈpȯint-ˈblaŋk

1

: aimed at a target from a very short distance away

fired from point-blank range

2

: blunt entry 1 sense 3, direct

a point-blank refusal

point-blank adverb