candidness

American

[kan-did-nis] / ˈkæn dɪd nɪs /

noun

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

subcandidness noun
supercandidness noun
uncandidness noun

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.

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

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

This isn’t just about his model looks — Garcia is literally a model — or his 10 million Instagram followers or his candidness that makes him extremely relatable.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2023

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

From New York Times • May 10, 2022

“His smile and his candidness will reach and relate well with others on the same journey.”

From Seattle Times • Mar. 17, 2022

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023