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

While Talarico and Hinojosa, the Democratic nominee for governor, have been outspoken in their desire to rein in data center development, both are taking a nuanced position.

— Justin Papp, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026
And although the medical research measure has some outspoken critics, there’s no money for an opposition campaign.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of outspoken

Adjective

Dislodging these forces from the machinery of the state has been neither swift nor straightforward, and even those most anxious for change are hard-pressed to offer practical solutions.

— Will Freeman, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026
An album this immersed in relatively straightforward love songs could use this moment of awkward verbal snogging.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of straightforward

Adjective

Any honest accounting of mail-in voting should begin with that distinction.

— Lee Moak, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026
These real stories help create a more honest and relatable view of leadership while showing employees how these opportunities contribute to both personal and professional growth.

— Jalie Cohen, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of honest

Adjective

On many of the songs, Beck broke into a falsetto that was a direct homage to Prince.

— Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
CFOs and operators should recognize that redemption pressure from 401(k) vehicles is structurally buffered at the fund level and is unlikely to translate into direct liquidity demands at the PortCo level.

— Nate Heeren, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of direct

Adjective

The actress has also been candid about her multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis — first diagnosed in 2010 but kept private until 2022 — and plans to keep sharing her journey.

— Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
Gaga has always been candid about her health issues, often using her platform to raise awareness and advocate for others with similar struggles.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of candid

Adjective

These sensual glimmers are no match for the antagonistic sociality of straight male relationships, which, in this novel, quickly convert sympathy or desire into rivalry and aggression.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
Another measure of consumer confidence from the Conference Board economics consultancy has now declined for two straight months.

— Rob Wile, NBC news, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of straight

Adjective

Her first two albums were defined by her frank and candid reckoning with her sexuality and Catholic upbringing.

— Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2026
For the first time, Zvyagintsev made a movie outside of Russia, moving Minotaur’s production to Latvia to stand in for a brutally frank portrait of his homeland at the dawn of the Ukraine war.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026