Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

openness

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of openness

1 the free expression of one's true feelings and opinions
  • Her openness was refreshing after the tiresome coyness of her friends.
Synonyms of openness

bluntness, candidness, candor, directness, forthrightness, frankness, honesty, openheartedness, outspokenness, plainness, plainspokenness, straightforwardness, unguardedness, unreserve, unreservedness
Words Related to openness

earnestness, sincerity, sobriety

artlessness, genuineness, naïveté (also naivete), simplicity, unsophistication

communicativeness, freedom, license (or licence), uninhibitedness, unrestrainedness, unrestraint
Near Antonyms of openness

circuitousness, evasiveness, secretiveness

inhibition, reserve, restraint, reticence, shyness

diplomacy, tact
Antonyms of openness

dissembling, dissimulation, indirection
2 the state of being left without shelter or protection against something harmful
  • Doctors are concerned about the population's openness to the new strain of the flu virus.
Synonyms of openness

exposure, liability, vulnerability
Words Related to openness

predisposition, susceptibility

defenselessness, helplessness, weakness

danger, jeopardy, peril, risk
Near Antonyms of openness

protection, safeguarding, sheltering, shielding

Learn More about openness

  1. Spanish Central: Translation of openness Nglish: Translation of openness for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of openness for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up openness? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games