up-front

1 of 2

adjective

ˌəp-ˈfrənt 

ˈəp-ˌfrənt

variants or upfront

: being or coming in or at the front: such as

a(1)

: frank, forthright

were up-front about their suspicions

(2)

: being in a conspicuous or leading position

b

: paid or payable in advance

up-front cash

c

: playing in a front line (as in football)

up front

2 of 2

adverb

1

: in or at the front

chose a seat up front

2

: in advance

paid up front

3

: in an up-front manner : frankly, forthrightly

expressed his doubts up front

Synonyms of up-front

Adjective

• outspoken
• honest
• candid
• frank
• straightforward
• forthcoming
• forthright

Examples of up-front in a Sentence

Adjective

some hurt feelings could have been spared if he'd been more up-front about whom he was inviting to the party

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The record-breaking transfer of Elliot Anderson ought to go some way to filling the Rodri hole, and previous window signings of Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo have given them some flexibility up-front. — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Solar has long carried an up-front cost that many individuals and businesses can’t afford, especially in emerging economies where borrowing costs can be higher. — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026

Adverb

On defense, senior Jack Wyma is the lone returning starter up front, but classmate Joshua Olex is poised to contribute heavily. — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Sincere Wilkerson anchors the offensive line and several transfers will help up front. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1945, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1937, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for up-front

• affront
• confront
• exeunt
• forefront
• lakefront
• manhunt
• sederunt
• upfront
• battlefront
• oceanfront
• riverfront
• waterfront