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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for forthright

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forthright

Adjective

Ruffalo has long been outspoken about his opposition to the merger.

— Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
In his final years, Haring created powerful political imagery and was a particularly outspoken advocate for safe sex and AIDS awareness.

— Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of outspoken

Adjective

Trading a temporary delay in multibillion-dollar media rights for a permanent reduction in labor costs is a straightforward corporate calculation.

— Chris Koras, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026
How to Use Paper Bags as Mulch Applying paper bag mulch is straightforward and can be done year-round, as long as the soil is visible.

— SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of straightforward

Adjective

The biggest difference is having a run-pass split and making the defense play honest, rather than keying on the Falcons' run game.

— AJC.com, AJC.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Then someone from finance asks what the company got for the money, and the honest answer is a pause.

— Boris Dzhingarov, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of honest

Adjective

No cause of death was given, but the musician had been candid about his battle with cancer in recent years.

— Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
Those records inspire some of the most candid moments of JAŸ-Z in 8, the eight-part HBO documentary that revisits Jay-Z’s life, catalog, and legacy through extended sit-down conversations with producer Rick Rubin.

— John Kennedy, VIBE.com, 24 Sep. 2026