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

Isar didn’t obtain a substantial up-front investment from the German government to get off the ground, but German leaders are keen to frame the company’s successful launch as key to European sovereignty. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 6 Sep. 2026

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

Adverb

Transfer defensive linemen Anto Saka and Ryan Henderson looked like impact players and several of the returnees up front who are stepping into larger roles appeared equipped to do so. — The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

He is now flanked by Kwity Paye up front and backed by an overhauled linebacking corps featuring Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 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