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

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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

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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 Open-minded, passionate, forthright and brave, Eva is well-educated, well-read, adventurous, generous of spirit, a world-traveler. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 2 June 2026 The singer-songwriter’s forthright and wistful new record, Philadelphia’s Been Good to Me, is an exercise in revisitation that yields expanding, not diminishing, returns. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 29 May 2026 The editors are also forthright in discussing the paradox this argument creates. — Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026 That confidence must be underpinned by forthright leadership from our communal institutions. — Mick Davis, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forthright

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forthright

Adjective

Officials in the Israeli government also used the opportunity to take a shot at Sanchez, who has been an outspoken advocate for Palestinians throughout the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2026
Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, named for the longtime defense hawk and outspoken Ukraine supporter who died unexpectedly earlier this month.

— Eric Mack, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of outspoken

Adjective

There is also a fair amount of misinformation circulating on social media and plenty of unanswered questions about the process as a whole — and many don’t have straightforward answers.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
Harmony Taylor, a partner at Law Firm Carolinas and the former chair of the North Carolina Community Association Institute Legislative Action Committee, said many HOA proposals appear straightforward when they’re first introduced.

— Nora O'Neill July 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026

Definition of straightforward

Adjective

Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 Home and ambition may need a more honest handoff.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
Effective communication should be honest, consistent, and rooted in core values, acknowledging that many boycotts occur invisibly through personal networks, not just public channels.

— Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of honest

Adjective

This was a different era, when most teams at that level would have played direct, physical football.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
The last major hurricane to hit Miami-Dade County was the catastrophic Hurricane Andrew in 1992, but the city did not take a direct hit.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Definition of direct

Adjective

Yes, there are behind-the-scenes snippets from their projects with candid photos, but the chances of us seeing the inside of one of their houses feels slim to none.

— Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 30 July 2026
Executives who openly acknowledge complexity and are candid about limitations cultivate a much stronger internal culture.

— Rochelle Blease, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of candid

Adjective

Perkins allowed six runs and nine hits in 5 1-3 innings as the A's have lost 11th straight series for just the third time in the last 110 seasons.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Queen has been a GHSA head coach for 27 straight seasons, first working at alma mater South Cobb from 2000 to 2005.

— Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of straight

Adjective

While the letter is amusing and frank, Kincaid is making a request that would have been ignored.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026
On a special episode of the author’s The Rest Is History podcast, the two Toms unpack Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey — and also have a frank conversation about the consequences of sharing a name with someone very famous.

— Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 July 2026