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(1)

: clear-cut, precise

straightforward instructions

(2)

: easy to do

Using the computer program is pretty straightforward.

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 of straightforward

Adjective

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

Adverb

• openly
• plain
• straightforwardly
• sincerely
• simply
• straight
• honestly
• abruptly
• plainly
• forthrightly
• directly

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

None of Argentina’s knockout games have been straightforward. — Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026

Invite the other person to name needs, then match that openness with your straightforward optimism. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2026

Whether those insights can improve modern concrete is less straightforward. — Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 11 July 2026

Moist in the center, crispy-crackly on top and decadent, this classic, straightforward homemade brownie recipe requires just 15 minutes of active time. — Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 10 July 2026

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