CANDIDNESS Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

candidness

noun

Definition of candidness

as in honesty

the free expression of one's true feelings and opinions candidness is something that we claim to admire—except when we are on the receiving end of a brutally honest assessment

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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 candidness In conversation, Friedland is rapaciously curious, if slightly disorganized, prone to tangents that lead to a candidness that can verge on cringe or awkward. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026 On May 29, Behar and her cohosts on The View reflected on recent comments from Rosie O'Donnell's about her facelift, praising her candidness. — Staff Author, InStyle, 29 May 2026 Some athletes early in this era proved that charisma and candidness coupled with their athletic skills could be highly lucrative. — Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026 The duo have become known for their candidness and light-hearted humor, frequently letting viewers in on the chaos of their real lives. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026 The title and author are set large in a text weight of Didot, echoing the candidness of the photo and the material. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 11 Dec. 2025 Angela’s candidness on the season gave viewers a glimpse into her relationship with Charles, including the aftermath of the 2017 incident at Madison Square Garden and accusations of infidelity. — MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025 Praised for her dry candidness and direct attitude online, Bethenny Frankel isn’t one to fall victim to a viral trend or product trap. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025 The world sees the behavior but rarely the illness behind it; this is what makes Gucci’s candidness about his journey so critical. — Essence, 23 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for candidness

Noun

Making good on his promise in The Holdovers, Dominic Sessa is excellent in the role, nailing the contradictory aspects of a slippery character while mapping his coming-of-age arc with empathy and honesty.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026
An honesty first, the kind the easy version of this argument would skip.

— Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of honesty

Noun

But perhaps the performance that lingers most in our minds is that of Elliot Page, 39, who in just a few short scenes anchors the film with his guileless sincerity and righteous anger.

— Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 19 July 2026
In a testament to that sincerity, Neil Young had the Stop Shopping Choir open for him on his 2024 tour.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026

Definition of sincerity

Noun

Monica Lewinsky's tribute to Lindsey Graham following his death sparked interest across the aisles, not only for her respectful candor, but also served as a reminder of the late senator's impact on history.

— Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026
A number of factors will shape that decision, according to multiple executives across the league and in the organization who were granted anonymity in exchange for candor.

— Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 25 July 2026

Definition of candor

Noun

What appears to be true, however, is that Flick is prioritizing pace and directness while learning that in modern football, the best teams have several options down the flank to provide support to the likes of Lamine Yamal.

— Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
In a tournament defined by vertical runs, through balls and dinks, Olise has been France’s main conductor, synthesising their high-pressing intensity and directness with creative rhythm.

— Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 29 June 2026

Definition of directness

Noun

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
Tshabalala’s bluntness about the economic cost is the rare honest signal here; business will not be pacified by euphemisms.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of bluntness

Browse Nearby Words

candidly

candidness

candied

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“Candidness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/candidness. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of candidness

noun

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