straightforwardness

noun

as in honesty
the free expression of one's true feelings and opinions not all of her voice students appreciate the straightforwardness with which she tells them that they're not going to make it as professional singers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 straightforwardness But the Windows handheld software experience on the Claw is just awful compared to the straightforwardness of SteamOS on the Steam Deck. — Jay Peters, The Verge, 23 June 2026 On Monday morning, Starmer, whose resignation has appeared inevitable for some time, delivered the news with his customary straightforwardness. — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 Mary Gaitskill is particularly good at this ideal combination of straightforwardness and pithiness. — Literary Hub, 13 Mar. 2026 Her question, in Lipe-Smith’s inquisitive piccolo of a voice, is heartbreaking in its blend of straightforwardness and desperate desire, as is her mother’s wavering response. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightforwardness
  1. honesty
  2. sincerity
  3. directness
  4. frankness
  5. forthrightness
  6. bluntness
Noun
  • The host then praises the coach's honesty and the panel's grace.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Both help make the case that unfamous people, in all their honesty and complexity, are as worthy of our attention as celebrities.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of honesty
Noun
  • This is what gives the film its experiential sincerity — the lived perspective of its Ukrainian crew leaving a nonfictional trace across every level of the fiction, something Stever handles with unusual reverence.
    — Sonya Vseliubska, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Though the familiar tropes of YA storytelling exist throughout, the series engages with the genre’s conventions earnestly and with sincerity, says Halsall.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of sincerity
Noun
  • Similar is true of Dan Ndoye, the Swiss international, who has impressed Glasner with his pace and directness since returning from an extended break following World Cup duty.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Marius, approaching 50, is a big doctor in this provincial city, not just a surgeon but the director of the hospital, and a man who prides himself on his directness and honesty.
    — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of directness
Noun
  • The show also depicts its hardships with disarming frankness, even verging on despondency.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Her love for the city is palpable, imbued with her frankness, her fun, her queerness, and her history.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of frankness
Noun
  • Alvarado has had to address that in the wake of the film’s release, and perhaps that forthrightness has aided the box office.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
  • Your forthrightness will set the tone for future dates.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 6 June 2026
Definition of forthrightness
Noun
  • The Venezuela native never shied away from bluntness — and profanity — in assessing players, plays, games or whatever.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Their snobbery is juxtaposed with Carney’s friend and colleague Pepper’s unsettling bluntness and eyeball to eyeball stare.
    — Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of bluntness

Browse Nearby Words

straightforwardly
straightforwardness
straightness
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Cite this Entry

“Straightforwardness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforwardness. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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