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
Upon his release, Nick learns that the target of his affections has another admirer, Chester (Shawn Ashmore), his no-nonsense parole officer.
—
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 4 June 2025
The best friend of David Rose (Daniel Levy), Hampshire became beloved by fans for her dry sense of humor and no-nonsense attitude.
—Jeremy Hanna, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
From Deadwood to Gone Girl, Sons of Anarchy to Briarpatch, Treme to Friday Night Lights, Dickens has long been a character actor who can, as Billie Eilish would say, hit hard and soft, exuding both soothing gentleness and no-nonsense authority.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 May 2025
Like Vidic, Milenkovic is a powerful, no-nonsense defender.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for no-nonsense
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 4 June 2025
The best friend of David Rose (Daniel Levy), Hampshire became beloved by fans for her dry sense of humor and no-nonsense attitude.
—Jeremy Hanna, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
From Deadwood to Gone Girl, Sons of Anarchy to Briarpatch, Treme to Friday Night Lights, Dickens has long been a character actor who can, as Billie Eilish would say, hit hard and soft, exuding both soothing gentleness and no-nonsense authority.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 May 2025
Like Vidic, Milenkovic is a powerful, no-nonsense defender.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for no-nonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-nonsense
Adjective
-
Only the buzz of Israeli drones overhead filled the solemn silence.—
Freddie Clayton,
NBC news,
7 June 2025
-
The score becomes grand and syrupy whenever there’s a big emotional revelation; characters deliver solemn soliloquies on the orderly beauty of math.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
Make sure your plants are receiving enough water, and treat serious pest problems with neem oil or insecticidal soap.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
17 June 2025
-
Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
17 June 2025
Adjective
-
It’s submerged 11 to 15 feet deep, with its stern facing the shore.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
11 June 2025
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Tonight: Explore! TAURUS (April 20-May 20) ★★★ Avoid arguments with others today, which might arise with Mercury in your House of Communications at odds with stern Saturn.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
9 June 2025
Adjective
-
At the same time, professional golf is evolving, as are the ways fans consume sports.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2025
-
Ron Wood has been a professional journalist in Arkansas for about 40 years.—
Ron Wood,
Arkansas Online,
19 June 2025
Adjective
-
Her brand is too earnest to accommodate irony or camp.—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
9 June 2025
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Any thought that this was exclusively earnest melts away at CGI Kermit, who is a little upsetting to see, but also maybe sort of heartwarming.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“No-nonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-nonsense. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.
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