directness

noun

də-ˈrek(t)-nəs How to pronounce directness (audio)
Definition of directnessnext
as in honesty
the free expression of one's true feelings and opinions his directness is much appreciated by his patients

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 directness 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 Marius, approaching 50, is a big doctor in this provincial city, not just a surgeon but the director of the hospital, and a man who prides himself on his directness and honesty. — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026 The songwriting of the era became another source of inspiration, particularly its directness and simplicity. — Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 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 See All Example Sentences for directness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for directness
  1. honesty
  2. sincerity
  3. frankness
  4. bluntness
  5. forthrightness
  6. straightforwardness
  7. candor
Noun
  • Estin said comedy needs emotional honesty, while serious drama needs humor to help people face it.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Nov. 2026
  • They are defined by their ability to have them with honesty, respect and mutual trust.
    — Julien Fortuit, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of honesty
Noun
  • But when the lines between sincerity and cynicism are so blurred, does intention even matter?
    — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The first half of the film is on the dull side, featuring lots of footage of Fielder and Holmes staring at each other, unblinking, in an attempt to convince each other of their sincerity.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of sincerity
Noun
  • Lin is known in town to be incredibly fair, but at times obtuse in his frankness.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The novel, published in 1988, foreshadowed the career to come by taking on, with disarming frankness, everything from child abuse to transracial adoption.
    — Casey Cep, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of frankness
Noun
  • Casting Bill Burr — the stand-up, who in recent years has repeatedly gone viral for speaking hard truths right to people’s face with all the bluntness of his blue-collar Boston roots — was a whole other layer of wish fulfillment for Sorkin.
    — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Still, everyone onstage seemed amused and accustomed to Lange’s bluntness.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of bluntness
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
  • Their impressiveness came from their straightforwardness, their precision and generosity of flavor, without needless curlicues or misguided deconstruction.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
  • What is genuinely remarkable, though, is that this meteoric machine drives with the straightforwardness of a Toyota Camry.
    — Sean Evans, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of straightforwardness
Noun
  • The Wiles interviews stuck out for their candor, which is unusual for a sitting White House chief of staff.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Carina didn’t tell Isabelle, but the tour guide’s candor had impressed her.
    — Danielle Paquette, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of candor

Browse Nearby Words

direct mails
directness
director
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Cite this Entry

“Directness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directness. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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