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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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 On the microphone, his promos conveyed a no-nonsense intensity that equally gripped viewers. — Rudy Chinchilla, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2026 According to AZFamily, a couple of electronic billboards have popped up in the Phoenix area with a very straightforward, no-nonsense message to owner and team president Michael Bidwill. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026 But Ditka's hard-nosed, no-nonsense demeanor only further endeared him to Chicago fans. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 So does Willow Kean as Ruth, Calvin’s no-nonsense older sister and Snook’s Arm’s harbormaster. — Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for no-nonsense

Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-nonsense

Adjective

Last January, he was inducted into the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences in Paris during a solemn ceremony at the Institut de France.

— Miles Socha, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026
The spirituality throughout is imbued with a solemn reverence more Catholic than Baptist.

— Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of solemn

Adjective

Just before this case was to finally go to trial, Snapchat agreed to settle the Maynards’ lawsuit, as the couple alleged the social media platform is liable for the serious injury crash.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 1 Nov. 2026
Whereas Dino saw it as a very serious major film, in the style of King Kong, something rather serious.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of serious

Adjective

McKenzie, a former banker in commercial real estate financing, founded the business in 2009, with a focus on lending money to professional athletes against the value of their contracts.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Golden State’s defense made things very hard for Atlanta again, and Gabby Williams took over in the second half, leaving our fair city’s professional championship count at three (two Braves, one United).

— Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of professional

Adjective

Hemsworth’s work has always spanned genres—just look at his omnivorous DJ sets—but Numbskull positions him as a more traditional songwriter, underscored by the album’s personal, earnest tone.

— Mehan Jayasuriya, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026
Her earnest speech, after the curtain came down, made headlines.

— Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 21 Oct. 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 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of no-nonsense

adjective

Example Sentences

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