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 electronics suite is quite a departure from the OG Himalayan's traditionally no-nonsense approach as well. — New Atlas, 10 Nov. 2026 The estate was the perfect wedding present from the late Queen Elizabeth to her athletic, no-nonsense daughter and her first husband, Mark Phillips. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 29 Oct. 2026 Maduro vexed the no-nonsense judge by using his plea hearing to condemn the case, with Hellerstein cutting him off and entering a not-guilty plea on his behalf. — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 28 Oct. 2026 Here’s your no-nonsense guide to running in midlife and staying injury-free. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 28 Oct. 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
  • The ceremony, held at the Kendall District Station, included a solemn tribute from the color guard and remarks from Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz.
    — Camila Fernandez, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • 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
Definition of solemn
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, any challenge to investors’ confidence in Huang’s leadership, or any allegation that his personal relationship influenced Nvidia’s lobbying in Washington, could have serious implications for his position and his company’s valuation.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Thirteen people were hospitalized in serious condition, authorities said, though that figure may include the gunman, who underwent surgery after the attack.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of serious
Adjective
  • He was known as an affable coach with great technical acumen, but also didn’t hesitate to show a more stern side of himself if the infielders weren’t performing up to the level they were expected to.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Two days after Democrats routed Republicans in the US midterm elections, the American Embassy in El Salvador posted a stern reminder on social media.
    — Merlín Delcid, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of stern
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
  • Despite the Ocala Drive-In’s long and colorful history, the Central Florida community’s earnest response shows its value as a piece of living Florida history.
    — David Morton, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Only the prolonged application of his best puppy-dog eyes and an earnest threat of self-harm softens up the old girl, but with caveats.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 5 Nov. 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 15 Nov. 2026.

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