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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
  • Daniel and Shaheen bring such confidence and emotional honesty to the roles.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
  • A touch of honesty from the family running the show goes a long way.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of honesty
Noun
  • The human nervous system recognizes sincerity faster than polish.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Alter denounced Kanter Freedom as a bad-faith actor and questioned the sincerity of his concerns about transgender women in sports.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of sincerity
Noun
  • Palace missed Sarr’s directness, with summer signing Dwight McNeil, Eddie Nketiah and Mateta not showing a full understanding.
    — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 23 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
  • As for the universality of her hypnotic, soulful sound and her dynamic, jazzy mezzo-soprano voice, Kidjo’s singing in five languages (Fon, French, Yorùbá, Gen-Mina and English) has forever been key to the funk, its frankness and her grace.
    — A.D. Amorosi, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Hayden Panettiere, the child actor who rose to stardom in television and also spoke with raw frankness about her struggles with fame and mental health, died Sunday, according to her family.
    — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 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
  • What Premier League clubs have shifted away from is — and apologies for the bluntness here — tolerating goalkeepers who aren’t good enough at saving shots.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The Venezuela native never shied away from bluntness — and profanity — in assessing players, plays, games or whatever.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of bluntness

Browse Nearby Words

straightforwardly
straightforwardness
straightness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Straightforwardness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforwardness. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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