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 Fear, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025
Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli did indeed sign a prenup when they got married, according to TMZ, but that doesn’t mean the divorce is going to be straightforward.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 23 Oct. 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
There is the more straightforward version of that question, which would provide viewers with a clear idea of where their sympathies should lie.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025
Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli did indeed sign a prenup when they got married, according to TMZ, but that doesn’t mean the divorce is going to be straightforward.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 23 Oct. 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
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However, not all studies agree that methane is a direct cause of constipation.—
Emmanuella Ogbonna,
Health,
31 Oct. 2025
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Vinicius Jr also thrived in the Italian’s counter-attacking tactical setup, which was designed at least in part to suit his pace and direct running, and delivered the club’s two most recent Champions League trophies in 2022 and 2024.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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And all of that offers a certain salvation, a shelter of sorts from the unjustly brief and linear time we are given.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
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However, all that premium content might not be enough to resolve the fundamental problems with the business models of legacy media companies like Paramount — namely, that linear broadcast and cable channels still account for as much as 80% of Paramount’s annual revenues.—
Tatiana Siegel,
Variety,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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His memoir is a patchy affair, to be honest, which omits entire swaths of his achievement, yet its wayward momentum exerts a certain charm, as if Hopkins were only just in control of his reminiscences.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
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Walks that resulted in us having the deepest, most honest and even the funniest conversations of our lives together.—
Louis Casiano , Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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One obvious reason for my interest in the movie, then, was that Walter Matthau reminded me, a little bit, of my father.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
-
There are good pieces in place, but replacing or re-signing Bregman seems to be an obvious offseason priority, and another impact starter would certainly help.—
Stephen J. Nesbitt,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
Adverb
-
Parents should discuss digital safety openly.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
25 Oct. 2025
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That tension brings the conversation back to Mamdani, whose campaign, Piker argues, has tested those boundaries more openly than most.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Now, step with your left foot out to the left, still keeping both feet straight.—
Jakob Roze,
Health,
31 Oct. 2025
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After starting their league title defence with five straight wins, Arne Slot’s team have lost their last four.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Dynevor, meanwhile, finds texture in a villainous role that rightly reminds us how petty personal grievances (on campus, no less) may well be the driving force behind the most outspoken political provocateurs.—
Manuel Betancourt,
Variety,
29 Oct. 2025
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Airbnb’s cofounder and CEO Brian Chesky is one the most outspoken leaders in the business world waving the red flag on loneliness.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The image quickly drew astonishment and amusement from Reddit users, who could not believe the apparent lack of awareness—or concern—by the neighbors responsible.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
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Toklas went on to fiercely uphold the author’s legacy, honoring Stein’s apparent desire to be understood while at the same time respecting her equally strong wish to remain elusive.—
Daphne Merkin,
The Atlantic,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforward. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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