no-nonsense

adjective

no-non·​sense ˈnō-ˌnän-ˌsen(t)s How to pronounce no-nonsense (audio)
-ˈnän(t)-sən(t)s
Synonyms of no-nonsensenext
: tolerating no nonsense : serious, businesslike
a no-nonsense manager

Examples of no-nonsense in a Sentence

a no-nonsense gymnastics coach
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Each seat is equipped with no-nonsense, hurricane-ready cushions that have thick, washable zip covers for breezy cleaning. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026 LaMalfa described as a ‘no-nonsense conservative’ As chairman of the Western Congressional Caucus, LaMalfa advocated for wildfire victims as major blazes became a regular occurrence in his district, which encompassed much of the north state up to the Oregon border. Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 6 Jan. 2026 The no-nonsense judge also recently presided over the 2025 trial of Charlie Javice, who was convicted of defrauding JPMorgan Chase out of $175 million by lying about the size of her company's customer base. Graham Kates, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026 His ever-glowering face on the sideline has sparked countless memes and has come to personify the sharp-eyed, no-nonsense manner in which these Hoosiers have rocketed through the sport in just two seasons. Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for no-nonsense

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of no-nonsense was in 1853

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“No-nonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/no-nonsense. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

no-nonsense

adjective
: putting up with or including no nonsense : serious
a no-nonsense manager
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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