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 The 26-year-old actress addressed the general confusion surrounding her character’s age on the Yellowstone spinoff and confirmed that her no-nonsense cowgirl is, in fact, older than her high school boyfriend Carter (Finn Little). — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 23 June 2026 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 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
  • Preservationists also say that the arch’s scale would overwhelm the solemn character of Arlington National Cemetery.
    — Janay Kingsberry, The Atlantic, 19 July 2026
  • Nolan’s more solemn final act attempts too much and doesn’t develop some key moments.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
Definition of solemn
Adjective
  • The claim and counterclaim are among serious allegations – including of smear campaigns and embezzlement – aired in multiple court cases now swirling around the production of the Australian musical comedy.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Deputies followed behind and reported no serious injuries related to the rolling sedan.
    — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 22 July 2026
Definition of serious
Adjective
  • An animalistic sense of intimidation coils beneath each gesture as Bracken offers a remarkable follow-up to her breakout role as a stern clairvoyant.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 July 2026
  • The Latvian champions represent the sternest test of Wrexham Women’s recent history, particularly given the tight turnaround from Wednesday evening’s match and the hours of analysis and preparation put in by Sugarman and her staff.
    — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of stern
Adjective
  • Goodall uses one-inch foam underlay beneath his rings — a specification that has since become mandatory for professional boxing in Britain.
    — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Others became minority investors, channeled capital through development banks, or managed assets through professional holding companies.
    — James Broughel, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of professional
Adjective
  • Chris Dowling’s film is earnest in its attempt to extract specifically Christian life lessons from a familiar tale of manchildren forced into growing up, and goes pretty light on the Bible-bashing relative to others in its cinematic church.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 25 July 2026
  • Music, Fashion, Film is a definite left-turn from the pop provocateur’s recent work, but its earnest blend of cheek and vulnerability is Charli through and through.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 July 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 29 Jul. 2026.

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