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
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2026
Its redemption options are straightforward and include a statement credit or direct deposit into an eligible PNC account.
—Ryley Amond, CNBC, 17 Feb. 2026
Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Jan. 2026
When the Trump administration announced last month that every new H-1B visa would come with a $100,000 fee, the objective seemed straightforward: encourage companies, particularly tech companies that rely heavily on the program, to start hiring American workers and stop driving down American wages.
—Aditi Sangal, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Adjective
The layout is straightforward and livable.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2026
Its redemption options are straightforward and include a statement credit or direct deposit into an eligible PNC account.
—Ryley Amond, CNBC, 17 Feb. 2026
Adverb
The mix’s seasoning veers straightforward and notably doesn’t list horseradish.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Jan. 2026
When the Trump administration announced last month that every new H-1B visa would come with a $100,000 fee, the objective seemed straightforward: encourage companies, particularly tech companies that rely heavily on the program, to start hiring American workers and stop driving down American wages.
—Aditi Sangal, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightforward
Adjective
-
That’s had a direct impact on patient numbers, Muthyala said.—
Lauren Mascarenhas,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The layoff notices, approved by a 4-3 vote, target central and regional office staff, who were described as providing direct and important services to schools.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The district has 56 poles and 7,500 linear feet of overhead conversion to 11,165 linear feet of underground trench spanning 227 properties, according to a council agenda report.—
Luke Harold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Because skipping songs on a player was a hassle, most people sat with cassette albums as a track-by-track, linear journey, the antithesis to the algorithmic, shuffle-centric playlists ubiquitous on today’s streaming platforms.—
Oliver Wang,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
An honest basketball coach without a real playbook.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Clear, calm boundaries and honest talks can protect your peace while keeping family bonds strong.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The hoarding expert suggested that people may not be checking the most obvious spots in their homes for hidden fortunes.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
21 Feb. 2026
-
As a performance artist and musician, Ono has always tried to expose the depth contained within the apparently obvious.—
Sadie Sartini Garner,
Pitchfork,
21 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Again, the Dodgers have talked openly about giving him more days off, because everything with this organization centers on October.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Now, even a ceremonial White House dinner has become a tinderbox and fellow Republicans openly acknowledge that Trump’s aim as president is not to unify the country.—
Joey Cappelletti,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
How Carolyn Bessette wore a headband Carolyn Bessette delivered a master class in how versatile a headband can be, styling her long blonde hair straight and loose, in a sleek low ponytail, or gathered in a nape-skimming bun.—
Fiona Embleton,
Glamour,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Or maybe their current bullpen composition will force the Yankees to splurge on relievers – and further deplete their farm system – prior to the trade deadline for the second straight year.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Glenn is an outspoken mental health and LGBTQ+ advocate.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Readers will remember Carano from being fired from The Mandalorian after her outspoken conservative views ruffled feathers on social media.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Two people were killed and seven others were hurt in a shooting during an apparent fight on a street in an entertainment district, the police chief in Richmond, Virginia, said Saturday.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Feb. 2026
-
There was an apparent surge in Putin’s approval rating after the use of military force against Ukraine in 2014 and 2022.—
Elizaveta Gaufman,
The Conversation,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforward. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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