NO NONSENSE Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

no-nonsense

adjective

ˈnō-ˌnän-ˌsen(t)s

Definition of no-nonsense

as in solemn

not joking or playful in mood or manner a no-nonsense gymnastics coach

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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 no-nonsense Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who’s winning plaudits for his no-nonsense commentary on Fox Sports during this World Cup, played for clubs like Barcelona, AC Milan, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain. — Sean Gregory, Time, 20 June 2026 The diminutive restaurant is about as no-nonsense inside as out. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026 Series 7 remains one of the best lineups of players in Taskmaster history, and Kerry Godliman beat all of them with a relentless, surprisingly endearing no-nonsense attitude. — Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 12 June 2026 The Burnley striker is a no-nonsense type player, but his experience across Europe’s top leagues could prove vital. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for no-nonsense

Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-nonsense

Adjective

In both the novel and its film adaptation, the scriptorium is portrayed as a solemn place where writing is a mechanical, joyless labor.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
But the challenge has remained over the decades for popes that the threat of schism, or a rupture within the church, might lurk behind a preference for a more solemn liturgy.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026

Definition of solemn

Adjective

Surrounding areas are under a very serious Level 3 of 4 risk.

— Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
However, the area does have serious needs for infrastructure improvement, such as addressing flooding that has long affected neighborhoods like Argentine during rainy times of year.

— Sofi Zeman July 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026

Definition of serious

Adjective

These new images, however, revealed that Quest is in worse condition than previously thought, with fishing nets, floats, and other bottom-trawling gear snagged on the stern and much of the starboard side.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026
People use all caps to indicate heightened emotion and avoid the formality of proper punctuation, which now seems stilted, even stern.

— Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

Definition of stern

Adjective

Sixty percent use it in their professional lives, while nearly the same number are wary of its impact on the future of the state and society.

— Tyler Pare, Washington Post, 16 July 2026
In addition to bit parts in a couple of feature films, O’Connor made his professional stage debut in a 2013 production of Farragut North and a 2014 production of Versailles.

— Nick Tabor, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026

Definition of professional

Adjective

The singer’s prolific career as a teen and young star was a bit of a balancing act, juggling acting and an earnest pop career, and balance seems to be a theme of the new tour as well.

— Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2026
Once the story gathers everyone into the house and lets the mayhem start in earnest, an overall feeling of Gothic grimness and rotting-corpse griminess takes hold.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2026

Definition of earnest

Browse Nearby Words

nonofficial

no-nonsense

nonoperating

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“No-nonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-nonsense. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of no-nonsense

adjective

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