1
as in direct
going straight to the point clearly and firmly
a straightforward account of the football game with no digressions or personal comments
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in linear
free from irregularities or digressions in course
the missile continued on its straightforward path toward the enemy's command post
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in honest
free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions
I want you to be straightforward with me and tell me if this dress looks awful
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in obvious
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation
the distinction between the two types of offenses is pretty straightforward
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also straightforwards
as in openly
in an honest and direct manner
she finally told him straightforward that she wasn't interested in a date
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of straightforward
David Brooks,
The Atlantic,
28 June 2026
For anyone who has been thinking about learning a new language—or several—this deal offers a straightforward alternative to recurring subscription costs.
—
Stackcommerce Team,
PC Magazine,
28 June 2026
Some discounts are straightforward.
—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2026
There are a lot of filmmakers who can do it in a more straightforward way.
—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Adjective
The most straightforward theory of motivation is known as self-determination theory, founded by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan.
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David Brooks,
The Atlantic,
28 June 2026
For anyone who has been thinking about learning a new language—or several—this deal offers a straightforward alternative to recurring subscription costs.
—
Stackcommerce Team,
PC Magazine,
28 June 2026
Some discounts are straightforward.
—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2026
There are a lot of filmmakers who can do it in a more straightforward way.
—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightforward
Adjective
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Rabies can also be transmitted through direct contact with brain or nervous system tissue from an infected animal.
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Reliable plasma diagnostics are considered a key requirement because direct measurements inside fusion reactors become increasingly difficult as temperatures and neutron radiation levels rise.
Adjective
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What used to be a linear process of planning, booking and experiencing has become something far more fluid.
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For those of you who remember linear television, the four broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, and CBS) would start a new season of their major TV series in the fall, and wrap them up before summer starts.
Adjective
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September 23 – October 22 Where can balance invite honest progress?
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Let’s be honest, flip-flops aren’t known for their support—but somehow, these under-$20 sandals have racked up hundreds of five-star reviews raving about their comfort.
Adjective
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Sure enough, all tires were up and there were no obvious punctures or hissing sounds.
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One of the first obvious things was that Larry is the guy who told Lincoln to go see that play.
Adverb
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The big news is that the United States and Iran are no longer openly at war.
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When someone openly and continuously crosses your land for years, that use can gradually become a permanent legal right called a prescriptive easement.
Adjective
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Shares slumped 16% for a third straight session of losses, wiping out $400 billion in market cap on Monday alone.
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His 2022 autobiographical family drama, The Fabelmans, proved a critical hit but a financial dud, and his adaptation of West Side Story was a straight-up flop (with losses reportedly running to $100 million).
Adjective
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During the primary the two contenders agreed on most issues, but Valdez argued throughout the campaign that Reynoso wasn't outspoken enough.
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Jackie and Shadow became internet sensations thanks to the live webcams maintained in their nest by nonprofit organization Friends of Big Bear Valley, which is an outspoken voice for conserving eagle habitat.
Adjective
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Two men were found unresponsive with apparent gunshot wounds.
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The potential perils of this were apparent in Delaware, where a Caesar Rodney impersonator was manning the booth (the Caesar Rodney Institute was the sponsor).
Cite this Entry
“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforward. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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