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

Flagged issues include the company demanding 50% of the funds up-front, and controlling how states measure whether Starlink has been complying with BEAD requirements. —Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 3 Apr. 2026

In 2025, a Federal Trade Commission rule took effect requiring up-front pricing for goods and services—including concert tickets—so mandatory fees can’t be hidden until checkout. —Doug Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026

Adverb

Preparing for his final year of college football, Rutledge is pleased with the new additions up front and ready to get back on the field. —Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026

This after Miami made multiple adjustments including dropping a third defender to the back and adding scoring punch with Suarez up front. —Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 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
• battlefront
• oceanfront
• riverfront
• waterfront
• blunt