POINT-BLANK Synonyms: 129 Similar and Opposite Words

point-blank 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of point-blank

as in straight-out

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Dissimilar Words

point-blank

2 of 2

adverb

as in brusquely

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Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of point-blank

Adjective

Oettinger made a point-blank save on Cole Smith with 6 minutes left. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 In overtime, the Panthers threatened from the start, and a streaking Tkachuk ended the contest, point-blank on Merilainen. — John Devine, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026 In one video shared on social media, a teenager was shot in the face with a tear-gas grenade at almost point-blank range by a policeman. — Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 Shortly after dropping his children off at preschool and going to the gym, the Florida State University law professor was sitting in his car in his driveway when he was shot twice in the head at point-blank range. — Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for point-blank

Recent Examples of Synonyms for point-blank

Adjective

When’s the last time everyone straight-out applauded the Dolphins draft?

— Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
Are people just straight-out living here under those blue tarps?

— Kristin Dombek, Harpers Magazine, 21 Apr. 2026

Definition of straight-out

Adverb

Léo’s tenderly nostalgic reminiscences of past love affairs are slapped down by Emma, who brusquely dismisses his pleasant recollections as mere male projection.

— Jay Weissberg, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
Yet, White House officials told me, Biden sometimes brusquely dismissed the views of both men, raising his voice as though berating children.

— David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

Definition of brusquely

Adjective

Rather than giving direct answers, the company said, AI Mode will provide a step-by-step breakdown of the problem to avoid short-circuiting learning.

— Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 12 Nov. 2026
As a result, Agallas Equities can now run business operations across multiple countries while its leaders maintain direct control of each facet of these international operations.

— William Jones, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of direct

Adverb

Heather Diehl | Getty Images The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Tuesday released a sharply critical report on the federal government's handling of investigations into Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell.

— Dan Mangan, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2026
Oil prices have fallen sharply in recent days on hopes that the Iran conflict is fading, and gas costs are falling this month.

— Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of sharply

Adjective

Jones goes on to outline the band’s existing lineup, before giving a rather frank assessment of their current drummer.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2026
The frank discussion led to some fascinating exchanges between those who fear existential risk from the technology and those who suggest the whole thing is an overblown distraction from the real issues.

— Julia Black, Vanity Fair, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of frank

Adverb

But that's not the case for VA loans, since the VA abruptly ended the program.

— Quil Lawrence, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026
The chief executive of California’s High Speed Rail Authority abruptly resigned amid intensifying scrutiny over cost overruns, project delays and wasteful expenses.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of abruptly

Adjective

This quality is either refreshingly candid or a violation of her children’s privacy, depending on your view, and is hotly debated on the many Reddit threads and comments sections devoted to dissecting their lives.

— Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2026
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce posed for a rare candid photo shared on November 11.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of candid

Adverb

Rose’s relationship with her father, too, is unusual in its unresolved jaggedness, while Sisto’s gruffly on-edge performance points to a deeper well of adult pain in Wes that his daughter cannot yet manage or comprehend.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 June 2026
Chief among the familiar faces is Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the stoic, gruffly professional explosives-disposal expert Major Will Tranter, who shows up at a construction site in the heart of London where an unexploded, 1,000-pound WWII bomb has just been found.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2026

Definition of gruffly

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pointed

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“Point-blank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/point-blank. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of point-blank

adjective

adverb

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