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 straight
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
Mara Santilli, SELF, 27 June 2025
Asia's successful strategies The reason behind these startling numbers is straightforward.
—Fatma Tanis, NPR, 26 June 2025
Solcyré Burga, TIME, 2 May 2024
The logic seemed straightforward: identify gaps, provide training and watch performance improve.
—Hudson Garrett, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Adjective
This question isn’t exactly straightforward to answer because many foods contain both types of fiber, says Dr. Nahar.
—Mara Santilli, SELF, 27 June 2025
Asia's successful strategies The reason behind these startling numbers is straightforward.
—Fatma Tanis, NPR, 26 June 2025
Adverb
While the concept of divestment from Israel appears straightforward—selling off shares of companies with ties to the country—its practical implications are far more complex.
—Solcyré Burga, TIME, 2 May 2024
The logic seemed straightforward: identify gaps, provide training and watch performance improve.
—Hudson Garrett, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightforward
Adjective
-
The study to assess how newer vehicle designs can block drivers’ vision was conducted by the United States Department of Transportation’s Volpe Center using a new technique of measuring a driver's direct area of vision around a vehicle that was developed by the Insurance Institute.—
Tanya Mohn,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
-
For peaches that are still ripening, keep them at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
Rethink The Funnel: Trust The Educated Buyer Traditional sales funnels are linear.—
Leonard Cercone,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
-
In addition to interviews with a slew of famous celebrities, from Lucille Ball and Gilda Radner to Mel Brooks and Muhammad Ali, several of the episodes being added will also include their original musical performances — a rarity with classic talk and variety shows on streaming or even linear TV.—
Josef Adalian,
Vulture,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
Ananda Lewis’ voice cut through silence like light through mist—bold, unwavering, and luminously honest.—
Essence,
Essence,
23 June 2025
-
The people of Maryland deserve an honest conversation — not one driven by fear or false urgency.—
Joanne Frederick,
Baltimore Sun,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
This is an obvious chips-in move for them after their half-court offense face-planted against the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
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But before checking for ripeness, start by inspecting the pineapple for any obvious signs of damage or spoilage, including bruising, soft spots, wrinkled skin, or dry, brown leaves.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
22 June 2025
Adverb
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Using all of those techniques is key, as each open area begets another and another, with hundreds of individual levels becoming available as players descend straight down into the depths of the planet.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
1 July 2025
-
Fox’s fashion, on the other hand, drew a stark contrast, comprised of an exaggerated baby-doll dress plucked straight from Jacobs’ spring 2025 collection.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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Opponents and legal scholars maintain that the plain meaning and historical intent of the 14th Amendment protect those children's citizenship, and federal courts have repeatedly ruled against the Trump administration's interpretation.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 June 2025
-
As a departure from the era of plain skinny ties, Lauren's wide, colorful neckties broke the mold, and his company grew from there.—
Diane J. Cho,
People.com,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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The Democratic lawmakers have been outspoken critics of conditions at the centers amid concerns over overcrowding and detainee deaths.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2025
-
Newsom, however, was an outspoken opponent of the proposition.—
George Skelton,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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The pattern is unmistakable: just as Enron triggered SOX, AI governance failures will trigger mandatory expertise requirements.—
Steven Wolfe Pereira,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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The symbolism of the decision to target this base—the same one that U.S. President Donald Trump visited only two months ago during his tour of Gulf states, and one located in a country that maintains close ties to and shares an offshore gas field with Iran—is unmistakable.—
Dana Stroul,
Foreign Affairs,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforward. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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