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 As evidence of the no-nonsense pact that has kept their friendship healthy and strong, Sheindlin offered up a comment Jackson once directed at her that might have sent someone else running for the door. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026 The other two, the no-nonsense Clara (Ayanna Nicole Thomas) and the all-nonsense Farley (Gabriel Marcus Omlor), have a subplot of their own. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026 Whitaker nicely plays the no-nonsense doctor whose priorities dictate the complex solution at hand. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026 On another note, the sun in Virgo will meet with Saturn retrograde in Aries, setting the stage for a no-nonsense approach and genuine productivity. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 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 spirituality throughout is imbued with a solemn reverence more Catholic than Baptist.
    — Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
  • This production, solemn about our obligations to one another but committed to providing a good night out at the theater, is neither.
    — Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of solemn
Adjective
  • The subject is of particular interest at CBS News, where Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss has repeatedly encouraged the network’s journalists to dedicate serious resources to finding a potential link.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Illinois Republicans are angry that the congressional map is deliberately drawn to their serious disadvantage, with some districts almost comically gerrymandered.
    — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of serious
Adjective
  • Below is Jordan — bearded, stern, and wearing a leather jacket — as Det.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Preliminary information indicates that the explosion occurred near the vessel’s stern deck, resulting in limited damage, a police spokesperson said in a statement.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of stern
Adjective
  • For Hobby, delays in state funding for her college expenses — and now her professional licensing — slowed her progress toward a better-paying career.
    — Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Second, as the nation grew wealthier, other employment opportunities for women emerged in the service economy — in retail, restaurants, leisure and hospitality, and even some professional services.
    — Steve Liesman, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of professional
Adjective
  • Contemplation of this tax — which produced $384 million in the last fiscal year — has consumed endless hours of work from some of the county’s most respected leaders, and drawn earnest public testimony from dozens of people.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The video plays hopscotch with tone—at once horrific, ridiculous, and bathetically earnest.
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 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 23 Oct. 2026.

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