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
Patricia S York, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
During 15 years working across various tech stacks and companies, this has been the most straightforward, underrated, and powerful way to regain my excitement at work.
—IEEE Spectrum, 6 Nov. 2025
Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 15 Oct. 2024
Despite seeming straightforward, microwaves aren’t standardized, so finding your machine’s power settings in the first place can be confusing, Chen says.
—Audrey Bruno, SELF, 14 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Adjective
This straightforward recipe calls for all the typical ingredients, plus a little extra heat thanks to diced jalapeño and hot pepper sauce.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
During 15 years working across various tech stacks and companies, this has been the most straightforward, underrated, and powerful way to regain my excitement at work.
—IEEE Spectrum, 6 Nov. 2025
Adverb
The cinematography morphs from something appropriate for a wacky comedic satire (straightforward) to lurid horror-movie tones; the score follows a similar path.
—Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 15 Oct. 2024
Despite seeming straightforward, microwaves aren’t standardized, so finding your machine’s power settings in the first place can be confusing, Chen says.
—Audrey Bruno, SELF, 14 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightforward
Adjective
-
The study offers rare, direct evidence of this process by tracking cool gas across entire galaxies, something that was not possible before large surveys like MaNGA.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
-
But just like the Qatar embargo almost a decade ago, those rules seem to slacken when officials make direct accusations against fellow Gulf Cooperation Council members.—
Mohammed Sergie,
semafor.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
One of the great things about this class is that nobody’s path has been entirely linear.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Traditional television, meanwhile, is forecast to decline by a cumulative $8 billion as linear advertising and pay-TV subscriptions continue to erode.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Yet, to be honest, our dance card is already mighty full with a whole array of different kinds of gigs – from big pop shows to classic rock concerts and a number of different small club shows.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Shared finances, emotional investments or trust issues become crystal clear, prompting honest conversations and practical decision-making.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The proximity to Lincoln Center was an obvious draw for musicians, and renters included an avant-garde composer on the sixth floor, a bassist on the fourth, and an opera teacher on the ground level.—
Will Ellis,
Curbed,
6 Jan. 2026
-
After successfully training rookie Jackson West, Angela sets her sights on becoming a detective while trying to ignore her obvious chemistry with defense attorney Wesley Evers (Shawn Ashmore).—
Tanya Melendez,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
In late October, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson posted a YouTube interview with Nick Fuentes, a popular white-nationalist and openly antisemitic pundit.—
Eli Thompson,
Rolling Stone,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Minnesota coach Chris Finch senses a growing interest in the tournament for players across the league, noting guys talk openly about it.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The straight-leg fit here is the ideal balance for anyone who doesn’t love baggy or wide-leg styles, and the ankle-grazing length lets your favorite winter boots take center stage.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Bryant held a 47-38 advantage after Camarion Bead's three-point play with just over five minutes to go in the third quarter, but Jonesboro charged back with six straight points to cut the gap to three.—
Erick Taylor,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Then there’s reality TV star Spencer Pratt, an outspoken Bass critic, who launched a campaign rooted in his fury over the city’s handling of the fire — and the loss of his family’s home in the flames.—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The outspoken auteur, considered one of Iranian cinema’s greatest living masters, is still in the crosshairs of the government known as the Islamic Republic of Iran.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Two people suffered life-threatening injuries and a suspect has been arrested in connection with an apparent stabbing in San Francisco on Saturday evening, police said.—
Brandon Downs,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
-
For many of the previous 120 days, Tara tells Thomas what is happening to her, and convinces him of her situation through her apparent clairvoyance.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforward. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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