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candidness

American  
[kan-did-nis] / ˈkæn dɪd nɪs /

noun

  1. the quality of being open, honest, or straightforward.

    We appreciate the promptness and candidness with which the professor has addressed and apologized for his oversight.

    The book, despite its candidness about the grim realities of the situation, offers a message of hope and promise.


Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of candidness

candid ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

“Brutal honesty, candidness, no politics. Politics have no place to play with me. I don’t want a single ‘yes’ person around me.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026

Many reflected on Brendon’s candidness about his personal struggles, celebrating his humanity alongside his talent.

From Salon ● Mar. 21, 2026

He needed rigor — candidness and data and photos of healing wounds.

From New York Times ● May 10, 2022

Rolston posed the model, one arm hidden behind her, with her right arm slightly bent and her hand turned to an open palm — a gesture of candidness that quietly resounds against her actual concealment.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 16, 2021

I was surprised by his candidness and said so.

From "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride

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