ˌəp-ˈfrənt 
ˈəp-ˌfrənt
: being or coming in or at the front: such as
a(1)
: frank, forthright
(2)
: being in a conspicuous or leading position
b
: paid or payable in advance
c
: playing in a front line (as in football)
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
Camila Domonoske, NPR, 22 Aug. 2025
While the hurdles are decreasing, the up-front capital is high, and returns are long-term, which scares investors without policy support.
—Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
Senior Aaron Hardy will be the running back and Rhys Woodrow, who is committed to Miami, will provide the protection and blocking up front.
—Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for up-front
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Adjective
Unlike most tax credits, this one can now be received up-front, in the form of a discount on a vehicle purchase.
—Camila Domonoske, NPR, 22 Aug. 2025
While the hurdles are decreasing, the up-front capital is high, and returns are long-term, which scares investors without policy support.
—Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Adverb
Early indications suggest they are still getting manhandled up front.
—Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
Senior Aaron Hardy will be the running back and Rhys Woodrow, who is committed to Miami, will provide the protection and blocking up front.
—Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for up-front
Cite this Entry
“Up-front.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/up-front. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.
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