pointblank

At close range

Point-blank describes a shot or statement delivered from very close range, with no arc or deflection.

A gun fired point-blank hits before gravity affects the trajectory.

Figuratively, point-blank means direct and unequivocal: She asked him point-blank if he was cheating.

A point-blank refusal leaves no room for negotiation.

shooting

close-range

From nearby proximity

gunshotFirearm's explosive report
firearmProjectile weapon using explosives
pistolCompact one-handed firearm

revolver · rifle · muzzle · target · aim · bullet · ammunition · cartridge · barrel · trigger

directness

blunt

Dull or tactlessly direct

forthrightDirectly honest in manner
candidHonest and direct
directUndeviating or to guide

frank · straightforward · explicit · unequivocal · unvarnished · brusque · curt · abrupt · plain-spoken · unfiltered

range

close-quarters

Very near proximity

proximityNearness in space
nearnessState of being close
immediacyQuality of being direct

closeness · face-to-face · adjacent · within-reach

refusal

flat

Lacking vertical variation

categoricalUnconditional and explicit
outrightComplete and unqualified
absoluteTotal, without qualification

unconditional · unqualified · emphatic · definite · decisive · unmistakable · uncompromising · firm · resolute · adamant

Opposites

directness of communication

pointblankevasive

Avoiding direct response

indirect · roundabout · circumlocutory · equivocal · oblique

physical distance/range

pointblanklong-range

Across great distances

distant · remote · from afar · indirect fire · lobbed

refusal/denial intensity

pointblankqualified

Meeting necessary standards

conditional · hedged · tentative · equivocating · halfhearted

Family

pointed, blank, appoint, points, pointer, disappoint, appointment, disappointed, pointing

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG