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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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Recent Examples of forthright
On Thursday, Merz adopted a more forthright tone.
—
Sebastian Shukla, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
Redford's career seemed to be shaped around the idea that the best qualities of the American spirit—maybe best defined as a kind of forthright, unassuming honesty—could prevail against corruption and deceit.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 Sep. 2025
But McDonald — who always comes off as forthright, analytical and calm — was by no means trying to blame external factors.
—Evan Clark, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
During his Friday Zoom session with local media members, Chiefs coach Andy Reid was forthright about Royals’ status.
—Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forthright
Sebastian Shukla, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
Redford's career seemed to be shaped around the idea that the best qualities of the American spirit—maybe best defined as a kind of forthright, unassuming honesty—could prevail against corruption and deceit.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 Sep. 2025
But McDonald — who always comes off as forthright, analytical and calm — was by no means trying to blame external factors.
—Evan Clark, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
During his Friday Zoom session with local media members, Chiefs coach Andy Reid was forthright about Royals’ status.
—Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forthright
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forthright
Adjective
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In her later years, she became known as an outspoken activist for animal rights and for voicing strong, controversial opinions — such as denouncing the #MeToo movement in 2018.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Oct. 2025
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As Hollywood has grown more outspoken in recent months about the situation in the Middle East, the challenges of convincing its distributors — the lifelines that can take movies from obscurity to national recognition — remain.—
Rebecca Keegan,
NBC news,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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There’s a timelessness to these spaces, but the feelings the images evoke are more nuanced and uneasy than straightforward nostalgia.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
25 Oct. 2025
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The process to reimagine the Wild West in the 21st Century wasn’t always straightforward, Dow said.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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When his father’s milestone birthday arrived, the teen saw an opportunity to be brutally honest.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
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Other marketing, the kind of stuff that people who would need to seek out (like, oh, big fans of Bruce) is more honest, like this featurette all about Cooper’s approach to this specific time in The Boss’ life and career.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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All statements reflect our direct experience and verified documentation.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Oct. 2025
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Get up to 35% off sitewide right now on direct-to-consumer furniture and home decor brand Burrow, maker of one of our best couches of 2022, the super modular Arch Nomad model.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Read on for the candid confessions and cautionary tales that might save you from making the same mistakes.—
Lauren Bengtson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
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Another commenter, while sympathetic, offered a more candid take.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The power play, the Wild’s saving grace in their first few games, is now in an 0-for-11 funk (The Devils have killed off 21 straight power plays).—
Joe Smith,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons has now missed two straight games due to what the club has described as a personal matter.—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Sources who witnessed this, speaking anonymously to protect their position like others consulted for this article, say there was a frank exchange between players, with particular criticism aimed at junior members of the squad over their attitude and application in the build-up.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
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As Love Chant comes out, Dando is still promoting Rumors of My Demise, a frank and illuminating account of his eventful life co-written with Jim Ruland.—
Gary Graff,
Billboard,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Forthright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forthright. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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