as in honesty
the free expression of one's true feelings and opinions
his directness is much appreciated by his patients
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of directness
The remark was striking in its directness and suggested the pilot may have been inattentive at a critical moment.
—
Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2025
That directness empowers both parents and students to make sound choices.
—Joyce Marter, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Anderson seemed thankful for his directness.
—J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 27 Aug. 2025
At one point, MacLachlan orchestrates a heart-stopping moment of reckoning for Bill and Tammy, written with a sudden, cathartic directness—a break in their usual language of deferential hesitations—which the actors underplay to perfection.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for directness
Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2025
That directness empowers both parents and students to make sound choices.
—Joyce Marter, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Anderson seemed thankful for his directness.
—J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 27 Aug. 2025
At one point, MacLachlan orchestrates a heart-stopping moment of reckoning for Bill and Tammy, written with a sudden, cathartic directness—a break in their usual language of deferential hesitations—which the actors underplay to perfection.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for directness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for directness
Noun
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What if leadership looked less like certainty — and more like honesty?—
Rochelle Ratkaj,
Rolling Stone,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Over nearly three decades, Baumbach has built a career chronicling families in crisis and artists at the crossroads, his films combining biting wit with an unflinching emotional honesty.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The earnestness and sincerity that characterized so much music from the late ’90s were overtaken by the sneering rage of nu metal.—
Sophie Gilbert,
The Atlantic,
30 Sep. 2025
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And yet, Lightfoot’s stubborn purity is surely why listeners recognize his sincerity in memorializing such a tragic event.—
John U. Bacon,
Rolling Stone,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Collier, who was injured during the playoff series, read from a prepared statement that shocked everyone watching—if not for its contents, for its frankness.—
Emma Hinchliffe,
Fortune,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Though Roan is a total force on stage, polished and magnetic while trouncing around a set made to look like an illustrated fairytale castle, the show is not without her signature frankness.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
21 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In films like that, the cultural commentary comes more from metaphor than with the bluntness and directness of The Purge.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
29 Sep. 2025
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There’s been a bluntness all season to the Hermits’ chats that ordinarily might grate on me.—
Noel Murray,
Vulture,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
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For parents, the name of the game is forthrightness.—
Nona Han,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Her question, in Lipe-Smith’s inquisitive piccolo of a voice, is heartbreaking in its blend of straightforwardness and desperate desire, as is her mother’s wavering response.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Not often is an older woman’s sexuality celebrated on screen with such candor.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Oct. 2025
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The prince showed candor rarely seen in public.—
Max Foster,
CNN Money,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Directness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directness. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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