ˌəp-ˈfrənt 
ˈəp-ˌfrənt
: being or coming in or at the front: such as
a(1)
: frank, forthright
(2)
: being in a conspicuous or leading position
b
: paid or payable in advance
c
: playing in a front line (as in football)
Examples of up-front in a Sentence
Adjective
some hurt feelings could have been spared if he'd been more up-front about whom he was inviting to the party
Recent Examples on the Web
Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 3 Oct. 2025
Cunningham, however, was more up-front, calling out WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
—Zach Powell, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
That’s part of a step investment deal with a major tranche received up front, followed by the remaining funds coming as milestones are hit.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for up-front
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Adjective
That’s an enormous up-front investment for pediatric practices, generally second only to employees in terms of cost.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 3 Oct. 2025
Cunningham, however, was more up-front, calling out WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
—Zach Powell, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Adverb
This is a roster chock full of veterans up front and on the backend and has a goaltending tandem that’s believed to be one of the best in the league.
—Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
That’s part of a step investment deal with a major tranche received up front, followed by the remaining funds coming as milestones are hit.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for up-front
Cite this Entry
“Up-front.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/up-front. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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