up-front

1 of 2

adjective

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)

up front

2 of 2

adverb

1

: in or at the front

2

: in advance

3

: in an up-front manner : frankly, forthrightly

Synonyms

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 value of up-front deductions against taxes is no more than the fees our investment instruments charge. —Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

This reduces the ability to recoup up-front AI investments, particularly when there’s little client lock-in, no network effects, and no moat. PolyAI chose to remain a software company, partnering with BPOs rather than acquiring them. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 June 2025

Adverb

Following Keira Walsh’s injury in England’s second game against Denmark, the Lionesses went to a back three and put two up front: Hemp and Alessia Russo. —Michael Cox, New York Times, 30 June 2025

According to his lawyer, Tatis received $2 million up front in exchange for 10% of future earnings. —Alex Sherman, CNBC, 26 June 2025

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
• battlefront
• oceanfront
• riverfront
• waterfront
• blunt