straightforward

1 of 2

adjective

straight·​for·​ward ˌstrāt-ˈfȯr-wərd How to pronounce straightforward (audio)
ˈstrāt-ˌfȯr-
1
a
: free from evasiveness or obscurity : exact, candid
a straightforward account
2
: proceeding in a straight course or manner : direct, undeviating
straightforwardly adverb
straightforwardness noun

straightforward

2 of 2

adverb

variants or less commonly straightforwards
: in a straightforward manner

Examples of straightforward in a Sentence

Adjective Using the computer program is fairly straightforward. He was very straightforward with us. She gave a straightforward account of what happened. Adverb she finally told him straightforward that she wasn't interested in a date
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The spices are restrained, the flavors straightforward. Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 The challenges vary widely from straightforward individual returns to more complex entity returns. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 In her experience, the process for obtaining a birth certificate is more straightforward and easier in Maryland and Virginia. Ellie Silverman, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024 At first, the statement seemed vague yet straightforward: Kate Middleton was recovering from a serious procedure for the next two months, but would return to work in April. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2024 March 1, 2024 The referee’s decision was, by the standards of these things, pretty straightforward. Rory Smith, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024 Resisting the impulse to increase your cloud capacity too much is a straightforward but impactful course of action. Rodrigo Madanes, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The history of the eight-hour workday If you’re salaried, the calculus isn’t as straightforward. Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, 29 Feb. 2024 In the case of image-generating models, revealing bias can be straightforward, or at least somewhat attainable for users with different levels of literacy and tech savviness. Dr. Tal Patalon, Md, Llb, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024
Adverb
The logic seemed straightforward: identify gaps, provide training and watch performance improve. Hudson Garrett, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 Available at Amazon [ Moby Ring Sling ] Not only is this ring sling straightforward to slip on, it’s designed to evenly distribute your baby’s weight across your back, shoulders and hips for optimal support. Bre Richey, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2023 For starters, microsites keep the user journey straightforward: one action and one outcome. Steve Ohanians, Forbes, 18 Apr. 2023 This Java Burn review is going to highlight all the ingredients that make fat burning straightforward. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2022 The sides are flared and gently slope outwards, which makes flipping straightforward, especially since the pan is fairly light. Rennie Dyball, Peoplemag, 29 Mar. 2023 Pretty straightforward: The Bengals are four-point underdogs against the Rams. Matt Young, Chron, 11 Feb. 2022 This may seem straightforward given the notorious sluggishness of the subjects. Grégory Bulté, Discover Magazine, 5 Feb. 2020 Things start out straightforward with the lunch menu, with prices ranging from $6.99 for the cheapest fish plate (one piece of white fish plus side, hush puppies and a roll) up to $12.99 for the version with a piece of catfish and four fried shrimp. al, 7 Dec. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'straightforward.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

1809, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of straightforward was in 1790

Dictionary Entries Near straightforward

Cite this Entry

“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straightforward. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

straightforward

1 of 2 adjective
straight·​for·​ward (ˈ)strāt-ˈfȯr-wərd How to pronounce straightforward (audio)
1
: outspoken, candid
a straightforward reply
2
: proceeding in a straight course or manner : direct
straightforwardly adverb
straightforwardness noun

straightforward

2 of 2 adverb
variants also straightforwards
: in a straightforward manner

More from Merriam-Webster on straightforward

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