straightforward

1 of 2

adjective

straight·​for·​ward ˌstrāt-ˈfȯr-wərd How to pronounce straightforward (audio)
ˈstrāt-ˌfȯr-
1
a
: free from evasiveness or obscurity : exact, candid
a straightforward account
2
: proceeding in a straight course or manner : direct, undeviating
straightforwardly adverb
straightforwardness noun

straightforward

2 of 2

adverb

variants or less commonly straightforwards
: in a straightforward manner

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
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.
Adjective
How and why the Great North Run has remained and remains relevant is not linear or straightforward. George Caulkin, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025 But in positive geometry, which is based on the type of space described by Roger Penrose’s twistor theory from 1967, just a simple set of terms can be written down, and calculated in a straightforward fashion, that yields a geometric object whose volume components can be calculated. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 5 Sep. 2025
Adverb
This new amplifier is controlled using the Pro-Ject Home smartphone app, which makes setting everything up straightforward. Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 The cinematography morphs from something appropriate for a wacky comedic satire (straightforward) to lurid horror-movie tones; the score follows a similar path. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 15 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for straightforward

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adverb

1779, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of straightforward was in 1779

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straightforward. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

straightforward

1 of 2 adjective
straight·​for·​ward (ˈ)strāt-ˈfȯr-wərd How to pronounce straightforward (audio)
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
: in a straightforward manner

More from Merriam-Webster on straightforward

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!