point-blank 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of point-blanknext
as in straight-out

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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
Knoxville, who was writing an article that led him to test self-defense equipment by using various weapons on himself, fires a revolver at his own chest from point-blank range while wearing a bulletproof vest. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026 The victim, who was 18 years old, was shot in the neck at point-blank range, archives said. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2026 Al-Owais had to make an excellent save to stop a point-blank header from Uruguay forward Federico Vinas in the 30th minute, keeping the score knotted at zero. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 16 June 2026 In footage posted to X by former Mayor Eric Adams, dozens of bystanders can be seen filming as Jaden is savagely beaten, when one of his attackers draws a firearm and shoots him at point-blank range. — Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for point-blank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for point-blank
  1. straight-out
  2. brusquely
  3. direct
  4. sharply
  5. frank
  6. abruptly
  7. candid
  8. gruffly
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
  • 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
  • In some instances, judges brusquely threw cases out of court after prosecutors walked in with little evidence.
    — Brian Rokos, Daily News, 7 May 2026
Definition of brusquely
Adjective
  • For maximum flowering, select a growing location with rich, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei had again poured cold water on the notion of direct negotiations with the United States.
    — Mike Sheen, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of direct
Adverb
  • Other South China Sea claimant states use the ruling to justify their own actions—and are sharply denounced by China each time.
    — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • Stock market futures were positive following the report while Treasury yields were sharply higher.
    — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 30 July 2026
Definition of sharply
Adjective
  • Stone is willing to invest in his ingredients but is also frank that some of what has hurt Gwen, and other restaurants, has had nothing to do with how the establishment is run.
    — Esha Chhabra, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Portillo’s chili cheese dog ignores Windy City convention, pairing a snappy, all-beef frank and pillowy poppy seed bun with a generous swipe of hearty chili and slice of American cheese.
    — Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 30 July 2026
Definition of frank
Adverb
  • One leaves abruptly, her designer purse slamming against a bystander.
    — Dina Cheney, Washington Post, 2 Aug. 2026
  • And, George, the Senate Judiciary Committee, back to Blanche, has rescheduled his confirmation vote for Tuesday after it was abruptly postponed last week.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of abruptly
Adjective
  • Yes, there are behind-the-scenes snippets from their projects with candid photos, but the chances of us seeing the inside of one of their houses feels slim to none.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 30 July 2026
  • Executives who openly acknowledge complexity and are candid about limitations cultivate a much stronger internal culture.
    — Rochelle Blease, Forbes.com, 29 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

point
point-blank
pointed
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Cite this Entry

“Point-blank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/point-blank. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on point-blank

Nglish: Translation of point-blank for Spanish Speakers

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