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

Work with Complementary Colors While choosing a single paint shade can seem straightforward enough, pairing aquamarine with complementary colors might feel slightly more nuanced. — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026

The plot is refreshingly straightforward without overpacking itself with super-character cameos like its predecessor. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 4 July 2026

How to Get There Getting to Vero Beach is relatively straightforward, and flying is often the fastest option for travelers. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026

But having had a relatively straightforward group stage, Argentina are yet to be properly tested. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 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