no-nonsense

adjective

ˈnō-ˌnän-ˌsen(t)s How to pronounce no-nonsense (audio)
Definition of no-nonsensenext
as in solemn
not joking or playful in mood or manner a no-nonsense gymnastics coach

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 no-nonsense Sigman plays Carmen Belandria, a no-nonsense, fiercely loyal mother and wife of Miguel. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026 The actress, comedian, and famously tough interviewer plays a no-nonsense bouncer at a party Allie and Owen are desperate to attend. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Aug. 2026 Spiridakos is terrific as the no-nonsense ranger who refuses to let herself be crushed by her past or present. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026 Those who knew Granger remember her as a champion of Fort Worth and a hard-working, no-nonsense, consensus builder in Washington who wasn’t afraid to work across the aisle. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for no-nonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-nonsense
  1. solemn
  2. serious
  3. stern
  4. professional
  5. earnest
Adjective
  • The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner made a solemn pledge to never stop trying.
    — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Both are powerful spots of natural beauty and deep cultural significance, but for a less solemn outing, the little islet of Ojima sits neatly between the two.
    — Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of solemn
Adjective
  • Senate Bill 2 created a process to decertify officers for serious misconduct.
    — Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Severe dehydration can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and, in serious cases, cause acute kidney injury.
    — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of serious
Adjective
  • Raudel’s mother, Vivian Texidor, couldn’t bring herself to show the photo of her son with his stern expression.
    — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026
  • All of Disney’s cruise ships feature unique Disney characters on their stern, bow and atrium, who embody the spirit of the ship.
    — Eve Chen, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of stern
Adjective
  • After a difficult period of professional decline and personal tragedy, Smith died from an accidental overdose in 2007 at the age of 39.
    — Imani Sumbi, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Her professional background as a child and family therapist and passion for offering support to families gives her a uniquely insightful perspective on the intersection of mental health, relationships and education.
    — Beth Collums, AJC.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of professional
Adjective
  • But many professional-class socialists are no doubt making an earnest moral judgment, born of firsthand experience, that contemporary capitalism is deeply flawed.
    — Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Forget the silly animal high jinks, the humble slapstick of peekaboo and patty-cake, and the earnest overviews of shapes, colors, and numbers; some of today’s baby books have far loftier ambitions.
    — Elise Broach, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of earnest

Browse Nearby Words

nonofficial
no-nonsense
nonoperating
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“No-nonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-nonsense. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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