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 Lorde’s and Parker’s letters are forthright and funny from the start, but the other writers are reticent and polite at first. — Literary Hub, 13 July 2026 Americans heard much more forthright rationales from generals involved in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. — Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026 German punditry can be forthright. — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 26 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for forthright

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forthright

Adjective

Engelbert has faced criticism from players for her overall leadership style, specifically from players who were outspoken about her lack of personal connection with them.

— Annie Costabile, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Americans, Trump at odds over data centers Lawmakers across the country, and on both sides of the political aisle, have become more outspoken against data centers as the national opinion shifts ahead of November's midterm elections.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of outspoken

Adjective

Democrats, with their signature concern for minority rights, had additional reasons to distrust straightforward majority rule.

— Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Your husband merely identified the obvious, most vicious enemy of the people in straightforward terms.

— Andy Andersen, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of straightforward

Adjective

Trout, the face of the franchise, has nonetheless been clear and direct about his desire to remain in Anaheim.

— Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
The money supported Parton’s My People Fund, which provided direct financial assistance to families who lost their homes.

— Janelle Ash , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of direct

Adjective

Agencies need to create opportunities for junior team members to observe client conversations, defend ideas, receive candid feedback and solve real business problems.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Muhl opened up about the family milestone in an Instagram post of her own, which featured several candid shots of the couple spending time with baby Aurelius.

— Edward Segarra, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of candid

Adjective

The Bears used seven straight runs up the middle to drive 75 yards for the opening touchdown.

— Mike McGraw, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Coach John Harbaugh made the interesting decision Friday night to sit Dart and a number of other starters for a second straight preseason game.

— Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of straight

Adjective

And, to be frank, this production just doesn’t achieve the necessary conversational reality.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
Panettiere similarly tackled the issue of mental health with frank discussions about her own struggles with substance abuse and postpartum depression.

— Edward Segarra, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026