candidness

noun

Definition of candidnessnext
as in honesty
the free expression of one's true feelings and opinions candidness is something that we claim to admire—except when we are on the receiving end of a brutally honest assessment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of candidness In conversation, Friedland is rapaciously curious, if slightly disorganized, prone to tangents that lead to a candidness that can verge on cringe or awkward. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026 On May 29, Behar and her cohosts on The View reflected on recent comments from Rosie O'Donnell's about her facelift, praising her candidness. — Staff Author, InStyle, 29 May 2026 Some athletes early in this era proved that charisma and candidness coupled with their athletic skills could be highly lucrative. — Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026 The duo have become known for their candidness and light-hearted humor, frequently letting viewers in on the chaos of their real lives. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026 The title and author are set large in a text weight of Didot, echoing the candidness of the photo and the material. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 11 Dec. 2025 Angela’s candidness on the season gave viewers a glimpse into her relationship with Charles, including the aftermath of the 2017 incident at Madison Square Garden and accusations of infidelity. — MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025 Praised for her dry candidness and direct attitude online, Bethenny Frankel isn’t one to fall victim to a viral trend or product trap. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025 The world sees the behavior but rarely the illness behind it; this is what makes Gucci’s candidness about his journey so critical. — Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for candidness
  1. honesty
  2. sincerity
  3. frankness
  4. candor
  5. forthrightness
  6. directness
  7. bluntness
Noun
  • The host then praises the coach's honesty and the panel's grace.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Both help make the case that unfamous people, in all their honesty and complexity, are as worthy of our attention as celebrities.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of honesty
Noun
  • This is what gives the film its experiential sincerity — the lived perspective of its Ukrainian crew leaving a nonfictional trace across every level of the fiction, something Stever handles with unusual reverence.
    — Sonya Vseliubska, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Though the familiar tropes of YA storytelling exist throughout, the series engages with the genre’s conventions earnestly and with sincerity, says Halsall.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of sincerity
Noun
  • The show also depicts its hardships with disarming frankness, even verging on despondency.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Her love for the city is palpable, imbued with her frankness, her fun, her queerness, and her history.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of frankness
Noun
  • For this reason, many are praising OpenAI for its transparency and candor around the event.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Policymakers must gain the support of the American people and Congress through candor and consultation.
    — KORI SCHAKE, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of candor
Noun
  • Alvarado has had to address that in the wake of the film’s release, and perhaps that forthrightness has aided the box office.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
  • Your forthrightness will set the tone for future dates.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 6 June 2026
Definition of forthrightness
Noun
  • The songwriting of the era became another source of inspiration, particularly its directness and simplicity.
    — Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of directness
Noun
  • The Venezuela native never shied away from bluntness — and profanity — in assessing players, plays, games or whatever.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Their snobbery is juxtaposed with Carney’s friend and colleague Pepper’s unsettling bluntness and eyeball to eyeball stare.
    — Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of bluntness

Browse Nearby Words

candidly
candidness
candied
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Candidness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/candidness. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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