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 $ 15-a-month deal is available for three terms, each requiring an up-front payment—$45 for three months, $90 for six months, and $180 for a full year. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 4 Nov. 2026

Rather than charging substantial up-front fees, Sanders collected royalties based on the amount of chicken sold. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Oct. 2026

Adverb

Name the person responsible for certifying the result, and agree up front on what evidence would justify expanding, changing or stopping the effort. — Todd Bernson, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

With five consecutive games rushing for at least 100 yards, the NFL’s longest active streak, the Dolphins are seventh in rushing offense thanks in large part to the blocking up front, no matter who’s carrying the football. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 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