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 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 Marsh got an early indication of Cignetti’s no-nonsense approach, as the former Spartans player showed up for a spring practice in gold cleats and got criticized by his new coach. — ABC News, 30 July 2026 In one of the few definable storylines on AEW television, inevitable AEW world champion Will Ospreay has been converted to a Death Rider by Jon Moxley, a no-nonsense heel intent on bringing out the best (and worst) in Will Ospreay. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026 His factual, honest, no-nonsense and consistently exceptional work is deeply appreciated. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 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
  • 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
  • After seeing corrupt cops rewarded with medals and politics debase his best friend, now the courts can’t even be trusted to perform their solemn duty.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of solemn
Adjective
  • People half his age with serious mountain experience struggled and marvelled at him leading them to the top.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Three people were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
    — Christina Fan, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of serious
Adjective
  • There, her stern Granny and poised Aunt Helen (Genevieve O’Reilly) are horrified by her lack of refinement and her indifference about finding a respectable husband.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to a stern, demanding father, the boy is further plagued by a sudden physical instability, requiring an iron body brace that keeps him ramrod-straight.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of stern
Adjective
  • Mercury in your 8th House of Shared Resources sextiles Venus in your 10th House of Career, helping money, trust, power, and professional agreements become easier to discuss.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Cuaya and Hernández-Pérez are partners in their private as well as professional lives and have two dogs, Odin and Kun-kun, who were part of this study.
    — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of professional
Adjective
  • Choosing September as the initial sales peak allows Apple to monopolize freight capacity before earnest holiday shipping begins.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Lively farm animals populate the backgrounds against which Guille and Belinda confidently perform their silly and earnest singing and dancing.
    — Manahil Tahira, Variety, 10 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 16 Aug. 2026.

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