bluntly
In plain terms
Bluntly means in a direct, straightforward manner without softening or diplomacy: She told him bluntly that his work wasn't good enough.
Speaking bluntly prioritizes honesty over tact—sometimes refreshingly, sometimes rudely.
To put it bluntly, you're fired.
Without concealment or evasion
- candidlyWithout concealment or evasion
- straightforwardlyIn an uncomplicated way
- plainlyIn obvious fashion
- honestlyIn a truthful manner
openly · explicitly · unambiguously · clearly · point-blank · outright · flatly · unequivocally
Rudely brief in speech
- brusquelyIn an abrupt manner
- terselyIn few words
- grufflyIn a rough manner
- abruptlyWithout gradual transition
harshly · tactlessly · insensitively · indelicately · crassly · discourteously · impolitely · unceremoniously
frankly
Without concealment or evasion
- candidlyWithout concealment or evasion
- straightforwardlyIn an uncomplicated way
- plainlyIn obvious fashion
honestly · openly · explicitly · unambiguously · clearly · point-blank · outright · flatly · unequivocally · matter-of-factly
curtly
Rudely brief in speech
abruptly · harshly · tactlessly · insensitively · indelicately · crassly · discourteously · impolitely · unceremoniously · offhandedly
bluntlycircuitously
In a winding manner
indirectly · evasively · obliquely · allusively · vaguely
bluntlydiplomatically
With political finesse
tactfully · courteously · politely · civilly · delicately
- blunt forceImpact without piercing
- blunt instrumentWeapon lacking an edge
- blunt object
- blunt traumaDamage from non-penetrating force
- Emily Blunt
- blunt talkDirect, unvarnished communication
blunt, blunted, bluntness, blunter, bluntest, blunting, unblunted