Synonyms of openness

openness

noun

1

as in honesty

the free expression of one's true feelings and opinions

her openness was refreshing after the tiresome coyness of her friends

Synonyms & Similar Words

• honesty
• sincerity
• frankness
• directness
• forthrightness
• straightforwardness
• candor
• candidness
• bluntness
• outspokenness
• plainness
• simplicity
• openheartedness
• unreserve
• earnestness
• plumpness
• unreservedness
• naïveté
• unguardedness
• plainspokenness
• freedom
• sobriety
• communicativeness
• artlessness
• genuineness
• unrestraint
• unsophistication
• license
• uninhibitedness
• unrestrainedness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indirection
• dissimulation
• dissembling
• secretiveness
• evasiveness
• restraint
• inhibition
• reticence
• shyness
• reserve
• diplomacy
• tact
• circuitousness

2

as in vulnerability

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 & Similar Words

• vulnerability
• exposure
• risk
• susceptibility
• liability
• predisposition
• helplessness
• danger
• weakness
• defenselessness
• jeopardy
• peril

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• protection
• safeguarding
• shielding
• sheltering

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of openness

Al Marri suggested in her announcement that the new festival will not be in exactly the same vein as the original, which was known for its glitzy red carpets, industry events, and openness to films pushing the social and political envelope. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026

Rubin is probably close enough to Carter to yield an interview with some openness, but too close to Carter to yield an interview that’s definitive — a limitation matched by or echoed in the limitations of the sparse visuals. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026

Managing that tension—remaining open enough to be credible and protectionist enough to maintain the domestic political support for that openness—is the defining challenge of European industrial policy. — Jonas Nahm, Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 2026

By contrast, Xi grew up in a system that punished openness and personal dynamism. — Jonathan A. Czin, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026

Ultimately, Zhu says, the secret to Walmart China’s success is its openness to change. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026

The shift towards greater openness during Hopkinson’s first year deserves recognition. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Many have shown genuine curiosity and an openness to changing their ways. — Jessica Rosenblum, STAT, 8 Sep. 2026

After the talks in the Kremlin, Ushakov described the talks as constructive and carried out with the utmost openness and trust. — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 Sep. 2026