as in solemn
not joking or playful in mood or manner
a no-nonsense gymnastics coach
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Recent Examples of no-nonsense
Grandma Bobby is well-read and well-traveled, glamorous and opinionated (speaking of usually-right old women), the old-school, no-nonsense daughter of a girl who walked out of a pogrom and emigrated to New York.
—
Literary Hub, 7 May 2026
Burgers are delivered to patrons at the counter in no-nonsense plastic baskets, accompanied by potato chips.
—George Motz, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
Herbst, known for his fiscally conservative views and no-nonsense approach to city politics, is leaving the dais two years into his four-year term.
—Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
In their scene together, set at Milan Fashion Week, Gaga plays a no-nonsense version of herself who has a clear issue with Streep's Runway editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly.
—Nigel Smith, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for no-nonsense
Literary Hub, 7 May 2026
Burgers are delivered to patrons at the counter in no-nonsense plastic baskets, accompanied by potato chips.
—George Motz, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
Herbst, known for his fiscally conservative views and no-nonsense approach to city politics, is leaving the dais two years into his four-year term.
—Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
In their scene together, set at Milan Fashion Week, Gaga plays a no-nonsense version of herself who has a clear issue with Streep's Runway editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly.
—Nigel Smith, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for no-nonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-nonsense
Adjective
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On May 1, Maryland observed Fallen Heroes Day, a solemn reminder of the extraordinary sacrifice made by the men and women who answer the call to serve others.—
Nick Stewart,
Baltimore Sun,
9 May 2026
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Protesters carried myriad homemade signs, some tongue-in-cheek, some more solemn.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
2 May 2026
Adjective
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The number of teams and bowls involved could shift as discussions become more serious.—
Scott Dochterman,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
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The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny over e-bikes and e-motorcycles across Southern California following several serious and fatal crashes involving young riders.—
Sydney Barragan,
Oc Register,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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Yet Gilgeous-Alexander’s own diagnosis of his night, stern and accountable, showed no trace of concern.—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
6 May 2026
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His father, a billboard magnate, was a stern man who would whip his son with a razor strap for stepping out of line, but the youngster refused to capitulate to his dad’s authority.—
Paul Bond,
HollywoodReporter,
6 May 2026
Adjective
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The anchor was there to do a job and was being as professional as can be, and that wasn't necessarily reciprocated.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2026
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Following the presidential order, the White House hosted a field day with professional athletes and young children partaking in athletic activities outside.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
9 May 2026
Adjective
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There can, of course, be earnest debates about diversity initiatives.—
Scott Maxwell,
Sun Sentinel,
9 May 2026
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What if the space race hadn’t ended and humanity had kept pushing into the stars in earnest?—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“No-nonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-nonsense. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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