point-blank

American  

[point-blangk] / ˈpɔɪntˈblæŋk /

adjective

1. aimed or fired straight at the mark especially from close range; direct.

2. straightforward, plain, or explicit.

   a point-blank denial.

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adverb

1. with a direct aim; directly; straight.

2. bluntly; frankly.

   She told him point-blank that he was not welcome.

point-blank British  

adjective

1. 1. aimed or fired at a target so close that it is unnecessary to make allowance for the drop in the course of the projectile

   2. permitting such aim or fire without loss of accuracy

      at point-blank range

2. plain or blunt

   a point-blank question

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adverb

1. directly or straight

2. plainly or bluntly

Etymology

Origin of point-blank

First recorded in 1565–75

Example Sentences

The centre-back rose highest to meet Bruno Fernandes' corner but crashed his header off the crossbar from point-blank range.

From Barron's • Jan. 17, 2026

Craig Wright was just one of numerous players battering at the Quins line, before the ball found its way to Coles, who proved unstoppable from point-blank range.

From BBC • Jan. 3, 2026

Barcelona's first clear chance came in the 70th minute, falling to Eric Garcia from point-blank range, but Marko Dmitrovic, at full stretch, made an astonishing save to keep the scores level.

From Barron's • Jan. 3, 2026

After providing four assists in his first six Premier League appearances for Everton, Grealish scored the 93rd-minute winner to seal his team's comeback victory after Dean Henderson had denied Beto from point-blank range.

From BBC • Oct. 5, 2025

But he never approached me, he never asked me point-blank what I did, he’d just inquire if I were earning enough for my family and then silently nod.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

Related Words

• bluntly
• candidly
• directly
• forthrightly
• frankly
• straightforwardly