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

Editor Chris McCaleb said that openness shaped how the entire series was built in post. — Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026

Compassionate Wisdom of the Heart requires certain spaciousness and openness for experiencing the present moment; however, that is much more difficult if at least a part of one's attention is concentrated on self-monitoring. — Gregory Stebbins, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Commissioners Rolando Escalona, Christine King and Damian Pardo have expressed openness to rescinding the agreement. — Jessica Lipscomb, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026

When Gianni Infantino was chosen to replace Sepp Blatter as president of FIFA, he was seen as a reformer, someone who would bring transparency and openness to soccer’s international governing body, which had long been mired in scandal and deceit. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026

But researchers told me that the qualities women now value more than ever—sensitivity, openness, communication skills—are not typically ingrained in men from childhood. — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026

The almost desert-like tan comes up over and over again in their light design, and doubles to me as a reference to the vast openness of Joshua Tree’s surrounding deserts that inspired the themes of the band’s current era. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026

The Big Five traits are openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism. — Refractor, 27 July 2026

There is a track record of both teams displaying an openness to discuss buying and selling. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 27 July 2026