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
No one on the Texas squad has spent more time in the program than Maloney, a no-nonsense scrapper from Missouri who set a school single-season record with 93 hits a year ago.
—
Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026
These are no-nonsense, medium-thick running socks that provide understated comfort and fit well within a wide variety of shoe types.
—Scott Douglas, Outside, 3 Feb. 2026
His no-nonsense, old-school approach would represent a shift from the Vikings’ recent history.
—Alec Lewis, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Her coven of no-nonsense gals and transitioning beta males began cheering wildly.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for no-nonsense
Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026
These are no-nonsense, medium-thick running socks that provide understated comfort and fit well within a wide variety of shoe types.
—Scott Douglas, Outside, 3 Feb. 2026
His no-nonsense, old-school approach would represent a shift from the Vikings’ recent history.
—Alec Lewis, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Her coven of no-nonsense gals and transitioning beta males began cheering wildly.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for no-nonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-nonsense
Adjective
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The holy month of Ramadan began today for Muslims, and Ash Wednesday marks the start of the solemn Christian season of Lent.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
18 Feb. 2026
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Later that day, Jackson stood once again on the Lorraine Motel balcony at the National Civil Rights Museum during its annual commemoration, sitting in the front row as nearly 500 people gathered for music, speeches and a solemn wreath‑laying ceremony honoring King’s life.—
Diana Leyva,
Memphis Commercial Appeal,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Fajardo-Acosta described him as an extremely serious person who also possessed a good sense of humor, spoke very eloquently and read all the time.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
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Lawmaker Jorge Arreaza, who presented the bill, highlighted these carve-outs to ensure the measure does not shield serious offenses.—
Alessandra Freitas,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The captain ultimately ordered lifeboats lowered, and the ship went down stern first.—
Anders Hagstrom,
FOXNews.com,
16 Feb. 2026
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Perhaps the solution is as simple as Miss Manners issuing a polite, but stern, PSA or a witty bon mot discouraging this practice.—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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In 2017, the 48-year-old former boxing champion retired from professional prize fighting undefeated at 50-0.—
Matt Schubert,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2026
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While washing separate loads of darks, lights, kitchen, and bath towels is the professional launderer’s goal, in reality, running that many separate loads isn’t always practical or easy to pack into an already busy schedule.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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What separates The Idea of You from other films of its ilk is its earnest investment in its characters and their chemistry.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Feb. 2026
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Amy was never the best singer or the best musician in a gathering, but her earnest desire to see the world through a lens of love was transformative, to herself and to her audience.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“No-nonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-nonsense. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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