as in solemn
not joking or playful in mood or manner
a no-nonsense gymnastics coach
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of no-nonsense
The 48-year-old was a no-nonsense player, and the engine room in Italy’s last World Cup success.
—
Ben Church, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2026
The service Service is nice but fairly no-nonsense.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Inside, the Trax continues that no-nonsense approach.
—New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2026
Actor James Tolkan, who was Tom Cruise’s no-nonsense commander in Top Gun and Marty McFly’s even less-nonsense Vice Principal in the Back to the Future films, has died.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for no-nonsense
Ben Church, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2026
The service Service is nice but fairly no-nonsense.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Inside, the Trax continues that no-nonsense approach.
—New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2026
Actor James Tolkan, who was Tom Cruise’s no-nonsense commander in Top Gun and Marty McFly’s even less-nonsense Vice Principal in the Back to the Future films, has died.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for no-nonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-nonsense
Adjective
-
Scenes from some of the Robert Pearson character’s old movies are done in a 1940s Hollywood style using young actors that resemble James Dean or Robert Mitchum juxtaposed with the stark, solemn, isolated existence of the elderly Pearson.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
9 Apr. 2026
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Although the pope celebrates mass regularly on Sundays, feast days, and many other occasions, the Urbi et Orbi blessing is much rarer, reserved for solemn events in the church’s liturgical calendar.—
Leo XIV,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The driver of the oncoming car was taken to a hospital with serious injuries, and the three passengers died.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The three men who were shot were taken to a hospital, with one patient in serious condition and two in critical condition, a Fire Department spokesperson said.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The cast is a murderers row of British actors, and the twisting plot of the novel is full of introspection and doubt, which makes for a tight 127 minutes of shocking revelations told through stern and troubled looks.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Apr. 2026
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This led to a stern, unanimous California Supreme Court ruling in 2020 barring the practice.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Growing up in the Kansas City area, Mary Gerend would watch her mom dedicate her professional life to helping kids and young mothers as a social worker.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
11 Apr. 2026
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The foundation states that winning teams are paired with professional mentors, supported in refining their budgets and project plans, and made eligible for grants of up to $1,000 to actually carry out their ideas.—
Ethan Stone,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Cloud, who played lovable and earnest drug dealer Fezco in the show’s first two seasons, died at age 25 in 2023 due to an accidental overdose.—
Alli Rosenbloom,
CNN Money,
12 Apr. 2026
-
The series, which follows a group of high school misfits who form a glee club under the direction of an earnest teacher, made the musical cool again, selling countless iTunes singles and albums.—
James Mercadante,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“No-nonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-nonsense. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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