FORTHRIGHT Synonyms: 105 Similar and Opposite Words

forthright

adjective

ˈfȯrth-ˌrīt

Definition of forthright

as in outspoken

free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions she sometimes was a little too forthright for her own good and ended up saying things that inadvertently offended people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in straightforward

going straight to the point clearly and firmly I appreciate your forthright explanation of the situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of forthright More screen time is given over to her burgeoning friendship with firebrand suffragette Mary, played by singer Lily Allen in a deliberately anachronistic performance — her forthright speech and manner beamed in directly from the 21st century. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 3 June 2026 Open-minded, passionate, forthright and brave, Eva is well-educated, well-read, adventurous, generous of spirit, a world-traveler. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 2 June 2026 The singer-songwriter’s forthright and wistful new record, Philadelphia’s Been Good to Me, is an exercise in revisitation that yields expanding, not diminishing, returns. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 29 May 2026 The editors are also forthright in discussing the paradox this argument creates. — Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for forthright

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forthright

Adjective

Burry has been among Wall Street’s most outspoken skeptics of the artificial intelligence boom, arguing that demand for AI infrastructure is being fueled by financing arrangements that may prove unsustainable.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026
There is outspoken criticism within Israel as well as around the world.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of outspoken

Adjective

And the honest inventory is longer than most executives think.

— Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
His honest songwriting — and lack of fear around making a song sound a little darker or more dangerous than what we’re used to hearing on country radio — is what sets him apart.

— Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of honest

Adjective

The animals are safe, but their home took a direct hit that left parts of the zoo unrecognizable.

— Tammy Mutasa, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Trump called Jones last month and urged him to meet with Jackson, who defeated Jones in a GOP primary in June, according to three people with direct knowledge of the conversation who aren’t authorized to speak publicly about the exchange.

— Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of direct

Adjective

The 2023 documentary, which included candid reflection from Galliano and revealed how addiction unraveled his life, helped shift public opinion in the designer’s favor.

— Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
The post showed several candid shots of Gaines and her family soaking up the idyllic mountain scenery, including walking on a trail and visiting a river.

— Edward Segarra, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of candid

Adjective

The match started on track for Sabalenka, who broke Alexandrova’s first service game, but Alexandrova won four straight games to go up 4-2.

— Lukas Weese, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Sadly, Yordan Alvarez and Jac Caglianone didn’t homer on Wednesday, running the cold streak to 12 straight picks.

— Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of straight

Adjective

Bedient gave him some frank advice on how to rehabilitate his sperm.

— Sarah Elizabeth Richards, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2026
Brennan’s first show—no stranger to backlash for its frank exploration of adolescent sexuality and mental health, among other things—may have prepared him for the mania around Monster.

— Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 4 Aug. 2026