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

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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 His factual, honest, no-nonsense and consistently exceptional work is deeply appreciated. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026 The 420 Sport jostles and squirms on these surfaces at low speeds, but the payoff is unfiltered, no-nonsense feedback. — Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 22 July 2026 But this one is in a pretty brutal industrial town, very no-nonsense. — Zachary Fletcher, USA Today, 7 July 2026 This unvarnished, no-nonsense authenticity helps explain Aguirre’s relatability with players and his ability to convey his instructions. — Colin Millar, New York Times, 4 July 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

The Indian government last month issued a stern warning to Instagram to remove child abuse ads on its platform that followed a warning to WhatsApp over the rollout of a username feature.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026
According to Jane, Burke was generally a caring and attentive friend, but also stern.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 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

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Style

“No-nonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-nonsense. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of no-nonsense

adjective

Example Sentences

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