MATTER-OF-FACTLY Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

matter-of-factly

adverb

as in candidly

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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 matter-of-factly But Redzisz, who previously worked as a curator at Tate Modern, matter-of-factly pointed out why that comparison is inaccurate. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 10 Sep. 2026 The stranger informs her matter-of-factly that Alice’s leg will be amputated unless Anna opts into her payment-plan bargain. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026 As the misfits who make up Widow’s Bay react matter-of-factly to some of the creepy and strange goings-on around them, at the center of it all is Matthew Rhys as Mayor Tom Loftis. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026 Elliott matter-of-factly told the story about his name, as well the later discovery through 23andMe of his biological father’s likely identity and the confirmed existence of many half siblings, just by pushing a button. — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2026 The late George is still widely hailed as having been Little Feat’s most visionary member and Payne matter-of-factly refers to him as both a mentor and a genius. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026 The tech is terrifying, but it’s treated matter-of-factly, played for barked laughs. — Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 12 June 2026 This is presented upsettingly matter-of-factly — sudden, and just out of frame. — Blake Simons, IndieWire, 18 May 2026 Jason Collins had written it so matter-of-factly. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 13 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for matter-of-factly

Adverb

Instead of launching into his traditional opening monologue, Letterman sat behind his desk and spoke candidly about the attacks, questioning whether or not a comedy show like his should move forward and if so, how?

— Krystie Lee Yandoli, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
The players spoke on the condition of anonymity to candidly discuss a variety of issues.

— Chad Jennings, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of candidly

Adverb

Quite frankly, Travis Kelce doesn’t need football anymore, yet Sunday night provided a stark reminder of why football needs him.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
And there is a hunger on the part of much of the public, frankly to attest to this, is that there's a sense of desire for independence of mind and independence of thought.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of frankly

Adverb

Coy McAlexander, Remedora's CEO, has openly acknowledged facilitating the sale of retatrutide.

— Daniel Gilbert, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
This is where financial risk control measures, such as internal monitoring of accounting activities and openly communicating with stakeholders, are key.

— Shawn L. Davenport, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of openly

Adverb

In the video, the popular streamers Maya Higa and FaZe Adapt sit together on a log, chatting nonchalantly as a massive grizzly bear lumbers toward them.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 27 Aug. 2026
Couples stroll nonchalantly around the fountain, seemingly without a care in the world.

— Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of nonchalantly

Adverb

And then Ed Sheeran (played by Annabel Marlow) casually walks in to weigh in on the situation.

— Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 20 Sep. 2026
Still, the current team does have a rare shot at shaping an orchestra that is not only reliably exciting and frequently profound but also casually bold and genuinely fun — making for a crucial presence in the city as well as at Geffen Hall.

— Justin Davidson, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of casually

Adverb

The family’s dream home (a magazine-pristine and coolly atmospheric feat by production designer Alain Bainée) certainly looks solid, but proves quite permeable — beginning one morning when a gaping hole suddenly appears in the garden wall.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026
As if to signal this iteration hasn’t completely deviated from its roots, in the show’s opening moments, Deborah Wayne coolly flicks the iconic flip-up frames made famous by Hardison’s Dwayne.

— Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of coolly

Browse Nearby Words

matter-of-fact

matter-of-factly

matters

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“Matter-of-factly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matter-of-factly. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of matter-of-factly

adverb

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