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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Recent Examples of directness
When the inevitable happens, Sobule sings the title chorus with a winning subject-verb-object directness.
—
Alfred Soto, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025
Newcastle could not match Villa’s energy, their directness or their intensity — traits usually associated with Howe’s side.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
The Senegalese’s directness and precision have since become a key part of Palace’s play, as has his on-field relationship with Daniel Munoz down the right as the pair have learned each other’s game.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
This is a film marked by ambiguity — which is its strength overall, even if there are crucial times in the film the narrative would be better served by directness.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for directness
Alfred Soto, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025
Newcastle could not match Villa’s energy, their directness or their intensity — traits usually associated with Howe’s side.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
The Senegalese’s directness and precision have since become a key part of Palace’s play, as has his on-field relationship with Daniel Munoz down the right as the pair have learned each other’s game.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
This is a film marked by ambiguity — which is its strength overall, even if there are crucial times in the film the narrative would be better served by directness.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for directness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for directness
Noun
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Imagine male leaders modeling emotional honesty instead of bravado.—
Shelley Zalis,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
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How to take care of the person next to you with out expecting anything in return, how to find beauty in the darkest of places, and how to live life as your truest self with honesty and pride.—
Maggie Kreienberg,
People.com,
11 June 2025
Noun
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Failing to deliver recognition with sincerity can be one of the most expensive leadership mistakes.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
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While the veteran running back’s voice barely elevated above a public library level and his mannerisms remained reserved, the sincerity of his enthusiasm still landed.—
Dan Wiederer,
Chicago Tribune,
3 June 2025
Noun
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Alex Cooper, center, and her dancers rehearse a production number in Call Her Alex Disney The biographical portions can feel evasive—weirdly so, considering that messiness and candor are central to Cooper’s brand—often swerving away from uncomfortable topics.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
10 June 2025
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Sedgwick plays Cynthia, a well-off and established 50-something New York urologist married to someone much older, with earnest candor.—
Tomris Laffly,
Variety,
10 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Directness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directness. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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