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
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
: 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
In straightforward and compelling prose, Sammy, then 40, tells the story of his vaudeville beginnings, his growth as an entertainer, and his movement through America. Questlove, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2025 Spectrum offers wide availability, fast speeds and straightforward month-to-month pricing with no data caps or annual contracts. Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Adverb
When the Trump administration announced last month that every new H-1B visa would come with a $100,000 fee, the objective seemed straightforward: encourage companies, particularly tech companies that rely heavily on the program, to start hiring American workers and stop driving down American wages. Aditi Sangal, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025 What might otherwise be a straightforward creepy historical novel is deepened by these uncanny phrasings, and Ravn’s attention to the social bonds in this world. Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025 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 Nov. 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

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