as in solemn
not joking or playful in mood or manner
a no-nonsense gymnastics coach
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
An experienced, no-nonsense, sensible, fiscally conservative GOP candidate would do the state good.
—Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026
The outspoken African American is a deeply religious grade-school dropout with no-nonsense views.
—Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
New York City’s health system, said the tough, no-nonsense governor, was near collapse under the Covid onslaught.
—David Blumenthal, STAT, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for no-nonsense
Bethy Squires, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2026
An experienced, no-nonsense, sensible, fiscally conservative GOP candidate would do the state good.
—Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026
The outspoken African American is a deeply religious grade-school dropout with no-nonsense views.
—Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
New York City’s health system, said the tough, no-nonsense governor, was near collapse under the Covid onslaught.
—David Blumenthal, STAT, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for no-nonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-nonsense
Adjective
-
Good Friday, observed on Friday, April 3, marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is one of the most solemn days of the Christian calendar.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
-
It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The victim suffered serious injuries to her right ear, right cheek and face, including a laceration that was about 6 inches long, officials said.—
Katie Houlis,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The broad ban on advertising also raises serious constitutional concerns.—
Cláudia Nunes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Some of the movie is an acid satire of pre-wedding rituals — like the first dance that Charlie and Emma are dutifully rehearsing for, with a ridiculously stern taskmaster of a coach.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Born in Michigan, Tolkan served in the Navy before studying at the Actors Studio, eventually becoming Hollywood’s go-to stern authority figure for decades.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Denver didn’t just set a new record for the largest attendance at a professional women’s sports event.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Former University of Kansas golfer Gary Woodland on Sunday could conceivably complete one of the greatest comebacks in not only PGA Tour history, but the history of professional sports.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Pedretti’s Cherry is the coven’s earnest heart, curious and loyal and often in over her head.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The Tevatron collider, located at Illinois’ Fermilab, followed suit with its own earnest search but was shut down in 2011.—
Mariangela Lisanti,
Twin Cities,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“No-nonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-nonsense. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
