matter-of-fact

adjective

mat·​ter-of-fact ˌma-tər-ə(v)-ˈfakt 

: adhering to the unembellished facts

also : being plain, straightforward, or unemotional

matter-of-factly

ˌma-tər-ə(v)-ˈfak(t)-lē 

adverb

matter-of-factness

ˌma-tər-ə(v)-ˈfak(t)-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of matter-of-fact

• factual
• historical
• literal
• documentary
• true
• nonfictional

Examples of matter-of-fact in a Sentence

a matter-of-fact recitation of the events of the last week

a matter-of-fact woman who didn't worry about "what ifs"

Recent Examples on the Web

In both his standup and his previous role on Ramy, Way is matter-of-fact about how living with muscular dystrophy shapes his relationships and sense of self. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026

At just 95 minutes, Hart’s film is all about storytelling economy, but the choice to simply reveal that Elizabeth’s cancer has returned is handled in a way that’s both matter-of-fact and true-to-life. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026

Sarah Pidgeon has a knack for wearing elevated essentials in a matter-of-fact way. — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 20 July 2026

At its center was Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor), a man perpetually resisting the changing times who provocatively expressed his old-school views through blunt, matter-of-fact bigotry. — Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 12 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for matter-of-fact

• overreact
• abstract
• attacked
• attract
• contact
• contract
• detract
• distract
• enact
• exact
• extract
• hijacked

Kids Definition

matter-of-fact

adjective

mat·​ter-of-fact

ˌmat-ə-rə(v)-ˈfakt

: sticking to fact

a matter-of-fact account

also : being plain, straightforward, or unemotional

described the accident in a matter-of-fact way

matter-of-factly

-ˈfak-(t)lē

adverb

Legal Definition

matter of fact

see also:

matter