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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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

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

Then, as the economics of professional sports transformed, the franchise changed hands twice in less than a year.

— Rick Maese, Washington Post, 20 Aug. 2026
After tearing through the third rung of professional women’s tennis in 2024, the FFT awarded Boisson a wild card for that year’s French Open.

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 19 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

Style

“No-nonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-nonsense. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of no-nonsense

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

tilde

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes