straightforward

1 of 2

adjective

straight·​for·​ward ˌstrāt-ˈfȯr-wərd 

ˈstrāt-ˌfȯr-

1

a

: free from evasiveness or obscurity : exact, candid

a straightforward account

b

: clear-cut, precise

2

: proceeding in a straight course or manner : direct, undeviating

straightforwardly adverb

straightforwardness noun

straightforward

2 of 2

adverb

variants or less commonly straightforwards

ˌstrāt-ˈfȯr-wərdz 

: in a straightforward manner

Synonyms

Adjective

• direct
• straight
• honest
• plain
• forthright
• candid

Adverb

• straight
• simply
• honestly
• openly
• straightforwardly
• plain
• frankly
• sincerely

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

Trent Sherfield Starting point: This group looks from here like a pretty straightforward set. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 13 July 2025

Textor’s relationship with Palace has been far from straightforward over his four-year involvement. —Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 12 July 2025

Adverb

This new amplifier is controlled using the Pro-Ject Home smartphone app, which makes setting everything up straightforward. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

The solution seemed straightforward: provide therapy, housing, education, and job placement. —Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adverb

1779, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for straightforward

• henceforward
• thenceforward
• carryforward
• equatorward
• forward
• shoreward

Kids Definition

straightforward

1 of 2 adjective

straight·​for·​ward (ˈ)strāt-ˈfȯr-wərd 

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

-wərdz 

: in a straightforward manner