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 Each of those pieces of her public-facing persona seemed to naturally grow from a vast discography where Parton established herself as hardscrabble, emotionally forthright and full of intuition. — Ethan Beck, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026 But the Duffys simply are not forthright or interesting enough to be compelling subjects. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 Unfortunately, not all DSA members and sympathizers are as forthright about their intentions as Romer. — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for forthright

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forthright

Adjective

The feud helped cost Republicans an incumbent who may have been tougher for Democrats to dislodge, and Tillis has emerged as an increasingly outspoken critic of the president.

— Bill Barrow, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026
Some Democrats have been outspoken in their support of impeaching members of the Cabinet, such as War Secretary Pete Hegseth.

— Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of outspoken

Adjective

My honest read on timing is that the five percent will be twenty percent by end of 2027, and fifty by end of 2029.

— Stephen Messer, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
The original impetus for the film, to be honest, was to look at an incredible life story over a long German period.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of honest

Adjective

In her remarks, Wintour made the evening’s only direct reference to the midterms, reminiscing about attending a fundraising event for James Talarico, who successfully flipped Texas in the race for the Senate last night, alongside Burch.

— José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026
In 1994, Defense Secretary Les Aspin rescinded the risk rule policy but kept in place the exclusion that barred women from serving in direct ground combat units below the brigade level.

— James LaPorta, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of direct

Adjective

Lloyd had not been candid about his struggles with substance use and addiction until the publication of his memoir.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2026
Today Swig broke it all down in a candid conversation with Editor-In-Chief Kyle Cheromcha and Director of Content and Product Joel Feder.

— Joel Feder, The Drive, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of candid

Adjective

That explains how, in a system in which all politicians purport to follow their conscience, nearly every consequential issue is decided by a straight party vote.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026
Hertl's second power-play goal of the night — and the second allowed by the Penguins' penalty kill at home — sent Pittsburgh to a third straight loss.

— CBS News, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of straight

Adjective

Jones goes on to outline the band’s existing lineup, before giving a rather frank assessment of their current drummer.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2026
The frank discussion led to some fascinating exchanges between those who fear existential risk from the technology and those who suggest the whole thing is an overblown distraction from the real issues.

— Julia Black, Vanity Fair, 27 Oct. 2026