point-blank
Bluntly, without hedging
Point-blank describes something done at very close range or with blunt directness.
A point-blank shot is fired from so near the target that aiming is almost unnecessary: He was shot point-blank in the chest.
Figuratively, point-blank means without evasion or softening: She asked him point-blank if he was lying.
A point-blank refusal leaves no room for negotiation.
From nearby proximity
- nearShort distance away
- closeNearby or to shut
- adjacentDirectly next to
- immediateHappening without delay
direct · face-to-face · nose-to-nose · intimate · touching · within-reach · nearby · short-range
Directly honest in manner
- bluntDull or tactlessly direct
- frankOpen and direct
- candidHonest and direct
- unequivocalAllowing one meaning only
explicit · straightforward · unvarnished · plain-spoken · outspoken · no-nonsense · brusque · curt
Lacking vertical variation
- outrightComplete and unqualified
- categoricalUnconditional and explicit
- unconditionalWithout limits or qualifications
- absoluteTotal, without qualification
unequivocal · total · complete · emphatic · firm · resolute · definitive · uncompromising
Animal's nose area
- barrelHooped cylindrical vessel
- firearmProjectile weapon using explosives
- pistolCompact one-handed firearm
- rifleLong-barreled shoulder weapon
target · bullet · gunshot · ammunition · caliber · trajectory · marksman · discharge
Plainly evident, unmistakable
- unmistakableImpossible to misidentify
- unambiguousAllowing single interpretation only
- definiteClearly established, not vague
- obviousEasily perceived, unmistakable
precise · categorical · absolute · undeniable · indisputable · manifest · evident · transparent
Sharp and unexpected
- instantBriefest unit of time
- immediateHappening without delay
- swiftMoving with speed
- quickMoving with speed
unexpected · startling · shocking · split-second · precipitous · rapid · spontaneous · unforeseen
close-range
From nearby proximity
immediate · direct · face-to-face · nose-to-nose · intimate · touching · within-reach · nearby · short-range
forthright
Directly honest in manner
unequivocal · explicit · straightforward · unvarnished · plain-spoken · outspoken · no-nonsense · brusque · curt · abrupt
flat
Lacking vertical variation
- outrightComplete and unqualified
- categoricalUnconditional and explicit
- unconditionalWithout limits or qualifications
absolute · unequivocal · total · complete · emphatic · firm · resolute · definitive · uncompromising · wholesale
muzzle
Animal's nose area
- barrelHooped cylindrical vessel
- firearmProjectile weapon using explosives
- pistolCompact one-handed firearm
rifle · target · bullet · gunshot · ammunition · caliber · trajectory · marksman · discharge · execution
clear-cut
Plainly evident, unmistakable
- unmistakableImpossible to misidentify
- unambiguousAllowing single interpretation only
- definiteClearly established, not vague
obvious · precise · categorical · absolute · undeniable · indisputable · manifest · evident · transparent · concrete
abrupt
Sharp and unexpected
quick · unexpected · startling · shocking · split-second · precipitous · rapid · spontaneous · unforeseen · jarring
- proximitynear, close, nearby, nearness, proximity
- close rangeclose quarters, short-range, striking distance, within reach, arm's reach
- close-rangeclose, nearby, adjacent, immediate, vicinity
point-blankindirect
Not straight or immediate
roundabout · evasive · oblique · diplomatic · beating around the bush
point-blankfrom afar
long-range · distant · remote · far-off · artillery range
point-blankqualified
Meeting necessary standards
hedged · equivocal · ambiguous · wishy-washy · noncommittal