1
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Altman, a regular user of X since 2008, has been forthright about his frustration with the bots on it.
—
Anna Tong, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
At twenty-seven, Fuentes was arguably America’s most prominent white nationalist—someone who was forthright about, and seemingly proud of, his bigotry.
—Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
There’s no question San Diego officials for decades weren’t always forthright about providing services without the means to fully pay for them.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Surrounded by piles of files and notes, Hersh is forthright.
—Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for forthright
Anna Tong, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
At twenty-seven, Fuentes was arguably America’s most prominent white nationalist—someone who was forthright about, and seemingly proud of, his bigotry.
—Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
There’s no question San Diego officials for decades weren’t always forthright about providing services without the means to fully pay for them.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Surrounded by piles of files and notes, Hersh is forthright.
—Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for forthright
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forthright
Adjective
-
Trump has been an outspoken critic of CNN and many of its on-air hosts.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Texans are already voting early in the March 3 primary between Gonzales and Brandon Herrera, an outspoken gun rights advocate who has made controversial comments attacking Jews and Israel.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
If the answer isn’t clear and straightforward, keep looking.—
Lauren Schuster,
Miami Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
-
The service here is friendly, helpful, straightforward, and accommodating.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
An honest basketball coach without a real playbook.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Clear, calm boundaries and honest talks can protect your peace while keeping family bonds strong.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Most agree that the one known as Seniors is the toughest, a direct shot from the summit through rock bands.—
John Meyer,
Denver Post,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Spanberger delivered a direct and effective rebuttal, drawing on her electoral success and law-enforcement background.—
Julia Terruso,
Time,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Grey’s Anatomy star Katherine Heigl is getting candid about the painful process of grieving her late costar, Eric Dane.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Feb. 2026
-
By Jenny Lawson Jenny Lawson shares candid, humorous, and heartfelt strategies for navigating depression, anxiety, and ADHD while staying creative and resilient.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Wu said the city’s public school system will be closed for a second straight day on Tuesday, and libraries and community centers won’t open until noon.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Because life isn't a straight path.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The names of Northern Irish civilians killed by British armed forces are listed, accompanied by frank descriptions of their deaths, for ten pages.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Georgia isn't known for its defense, to be frank, but the Dawgs have forced six turnovers and are holding Texas to 4-of-12 shooting.—
Thomas Jones,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Forthright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forthright. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
