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

Strahan has been outspoken about his kids in the past, sharing in 2025 that his daughter Isabella Strahan had been diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a cancerous brain tumor, two years prior.

— Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Davis has long been an outspoken advocate for diversity and Black representation, especially in the entertainment industry.

— Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of outspoken

Adjective

Democrats, with their signature concern for minority rights, had additional reasons to distrust straightforward majority rule.

— Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Your husband merely identified the obvious, most vicious enemy of the people in straightforward terms.

— Andy Andersen, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of straightforward

Adjective

Katarzyna Nowakowska, Poland's deputy minister for family, labor and social policy, told the AP that the most vulnerable applicants still receive direct help from the state and any other refugees needing support should turn to social workers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
To enjoy it past its best-by date safely, store your tea bags in a cool, dry place away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight, Tucker says.

— Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of direct

Adjective

In a new profile for Who What Wear, the 29-year-old Kylie Cosmetics and Khy co-founder got candid about having kids at a young age.

— Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
Bessent gave a telling and surprisingly candid response when CNN’s Kevin Liptak noted D-Day in 1944 was an actual invasion, not a threat to invade, and asked why Treasury did not take immediate action.

— Matt Egan, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of candid

Adjective

The Bears used seven straight runs up the middle to drive 75 yards for the opening touchdown.

— Mike McGraw, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Coach John Harbaugh made the interesting decision Friday night to sit Dart and a number of other starters for a second straight preseason game.

— Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of straight

Adjective

And, to be frank, this production just doesn’t achieve the necessary conversational reality.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
Panettiere similarly tackled the issue of mental health with frank discussions about her own struggles with substance abuse and postpartum depression.

— Edward Segarra, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026