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

Here, he missed from point-blank range in the opening minutes.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

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

From Barron's • Jan. 3, 2026

Goalkeeper Joseph Piscatella made several point-blank saves to keep his side on top.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025

Comoros only partially cleared a goalmouth scramble and when the ball was crossed low into the six-yard box, Kudus tapped it into the net from point-blank range.

From Barron's • Oct. 12, 2025

As Cherry stared point-blank at me, the events of Sunday, September 15, 1963, assaulted me all over again.

From "While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement" by Carolyn Maull McKinstry

Related Words

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