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
Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
The honest answer is straightforward.
—Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 7 Apr. 2026
Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
The mix’s seasoning veers straightforward and notably doesn’t list horseradish.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Adjective
Drwencke said court proceedings are a slow and thorough process, including in cases that might seem straightforward.
—Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
The honest answer is straightforward.
—Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 7 Apr. 2026
Adverb
The market's logic seemed straightforward: more efficient AI means less demand for chips, less demand for data centers, less demand for power.
—Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
The mix’s seasoning veers straightforward and notably doesn’t list horseradish.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightforward
Adjective
-
And many could lose access to benefits they're legally entitled to, said consumer advocates and health policy researchers, some of them with direct experience working at state agencies.—
Sam Whitehead,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Channel that fire into direct, respectful proposals.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The route the Lakers will have to weave through to extend their season to a point where Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves can both return will hardly be linear.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Researchers showed that the device can process time-dependent data and, when its output is fed into a linear computer model, can be used to identify patterns and make short-term predictions.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Iran practices honest bludgeon work.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Use honest words, and let confidence take root.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Another obvious, simple solution is just to chill out.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
-
One obvious example is the use of modular, prefabricated components to quickly and relatively cheaply build housing.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Its sustained support for armed proxy groups in the region — organizations that openly seek Israel’s destruction — demonstrates that this is not merely rhetorical.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Democratic Party leaders are openly worried, though, that the two Republicans — Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco — could finish 1-2, thereby ensuring the election of a GOP governor.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Monday’s win was not an offensive work of art from a squad that became the first to score 90-plus points in five straight tournament games.—
Justin Williams,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Michigan had become the first team to score 90-plus points in five straight tournament games in the same season.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Leo, who has become an outspoken critic of the Iran war, also said attacks on civilian infrastructure are against international law.—
Michael Rios,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Colorado’s outspoken coach, former NFL star Deion Sanders, told reporters his team will honor Ponder by wearing a patch on their uniforms during the upcoming football season.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Some are not much more apparent than a telephone pole.—
Jeffrey Marlow,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
-
What wasn't hidden was their apparent glee.—
Peter Van Sant,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforward. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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