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
-
For years, fashion companies like Ralph Lauren pulled their products from Macy’s stores to sell more of their products direct to consumers online and at their own stores.—
Phil Wahba,
Fortune,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The league then sends out direct notification letters to players, giving them the specific details of the fine and instructions on how to appeal.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The idea is to expose the show to new viewers who perhaps haven’t caught it yet on streaming, and also use the linear run as a bit of a marketing lead-up to the January premiere of Season 2 on HBO Max.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
10 Nov. 2025
-
In a novel that is so alert to where climate change is leading the world, a narrative frame that illustrates migration as linear and largely redemptive feels anachronistic.—
Tope Folarin,
The Atlantic,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
But to be honest, the 20th anniversary, in other people’s hands, would not have lured me back.—
McKinley Franklin,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Nov. 2025
-
They’re further accused of honest services wire fraud, a noteworthy charge that has played an instrumental role in the sports world of late.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The single-minded obsession with Mamdani’s talk of affordability, while convenient for the mayor-elect and a vital part of his appeal, also misses an obvious point.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Could the Cavs tinker just a little more to take advantage of his efficiency and obvious talent, even when everyone else is healthy?—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
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
-
Dallas has dropped two straight games, most recently losing 110-102 to the Houston Rockets on the road.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Pilots’ comeback While The Pitt had a straight-to-series order, American Blue and How To Survive Without Me are pilots, part of a resurgence of the broadcast development staple.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Her love life, like her work life, according to her most outspoken friend, Littia (singer Inayah), is in shambles, and an invitation to spend the holidays with love interest Colton (Aaron O’Connell) challenges her perspectives on romance.—
Ronda Racha Penrice,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Nov. 2025
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The pair will face the immediate challenge of addressing the controversy over politics that has roiled the firm, at a time when many Silicon Valley venture firms are becoming increasingly outspoken on hot-button political and culture-war issues.—
Allie Garfinkle,
Fortune,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Prince Harry apologized for his apparent support of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2025 World Series.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Watson, in an apparent spur-of-the-moment remark, announced that the project would devote 3 to 5 percent of its budget to the study of bioethics.—
Nell Greenfieldboyce,
NPR,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforward. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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