1
as in direct
going straight to the point clearly and firmly
a straightforward account of the football game with no digressions or personal comments
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in linear
free from irregularities or digressions in course
the missile continued on its straightforward path toward the enemy's command post
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in honest
free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions
I want you to be straightforward with me and tell me if this dress looks awful
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in obvious
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation
the distinction between the two types of offenses is pretty straightforward
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also straightforwards
as in straight
in an honest and direct manner
she finally told him straightforward that she wasn't interested in a date
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of straightforward
Daniel Block, The Atlantic, 29 Apr. 2025
His journey wasn’t straightforward, but every setback and failure led him to a place of profound understanding.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Adjective
The angry Canadian The theory of the case is straightforward.
—Daniel Block, The Atlantic, 29 Apr. 2025
His journey wasn’t straightforward, but every setback and failure led him to a place of profound understanding.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightforward
Adjective
-
But professor Hill, like Drummond, said charter schools are public schools, and warned there's always been a line where the Supreme Court did not allow the direct flow of government funds to religious schools for religious instruction.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
29 Apr. 2025
-
The president can make nominations but doesn't have direct oversight.—
Bonnie Bolden,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The Glorious Heyday Of A-To-B Thinking For generations, linear thinking reigned supreme.—
Lee Salisbury,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
-
The linear demand for MLS just isn’t there in terms of the financials.—
Richard Deitsch,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The families who manage this best are the ones who acknowledge it openly, and make space for honest conversations.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
But that was less Counsell putting Brown on notice about his spot in the rotation and more so just being honest.—
Sahadev Sharma,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
But the ‘Harry Potter’ films, ‘Lord Of The Rings,’ ‘Schindler’s List,’ ‘Mission Impossible,’ ‘Gladiator,’ ‘Aviator’ and so many more are U.S films that shot overseas for obvious reasons.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
5 May 2025
-
True to form, the Wiz system is way cheaper than the Philips Hue version without any obvious compromises (to my eye).—
Julian Chokkattu,
Wired News,
3 May 2025
Adverb
-
Gradually add 1/4 cup of the sugar, beating until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight).—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 May 2025
-
Beckham drove straight to Manchester and stayed by her bedside for hours, holding her hand and reminiscing about his years at the club.—
Daniel Taylor,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
Adjective
-
There are many causes for hair loss—pregnancy, medication, stress, tight styling, or just plain genetics, to name a few.—
Danielle Cohen,
Glamour,
2 May 2025
-
Our Review Only recent Macs with either M4 Pro or M4 Max CPUs support Thunderbolt 5; Macs with plain M4 chips will not.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
The actor has long been an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and particularly transgender women.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Beyond her pioneering achievements behind the wheel, Levitt was also an inventor, a royal driving instructor, a suffragette and an outspoken writer.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The state Department of Environmental Conservation and the city DEP both cited the MTA earlier this month when an apparent overflow in the depot’s sewage ejection pit ran off into nearby storm drains, spilling what DEC inspectors estimated to be 50 gallons of waste into the bay.—
Evan Simko-Bednarski,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2025
-
What could draw such large predators to an apparent oceanic desert?—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforward. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share