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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of straightforward
Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
While Google says its system will also work for physics, both groups exclusively present biological data, and largely straightforward hypotheses—this drug will work for that.
—ArsTechnica, 19 May 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
At a time when athletes are suing the NCAA over nearly every restriction tied to earning opportunities, this case feels far more straightforward.
—Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
While Google says its system will also work for physics, both groups exclusively present biological data, and largely straightforward hypotheses—this drug will work for that.
—ArsTechnica, 19 May 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
-
Its direct proximity to subway access also improves mobility around the city for many travelers.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 May 2026
-
Ephemera is so often illustrative of the inner life of a character, a direct, beating correlative of the contents of their hearts.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
Adjective
-
Spider-Noir will debut on MGM+'s linear channel, and the entire series will be available on Prime Video.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
-
Inside there’s a full 15-foot coil of linear LED which can be removed and replaced — simpler than changing a tire.—
Anthony Paletta,
Curbed,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
Connection improves when curiosity gives both people more room to be honest without forcing agreement today.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
-
One honest budget check can keep the idea useful instead of impulsive.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
23 May 2026
Adjective
-
That was unusually blunt from the typically genial Pritzker, who’s mainly tried to keep a public lid on his obvious irritation with Johnson.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
-
Find the topic gaps nobody is filling Every niche has angles that are obvious in hindsight.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
Adverb
-
What is striking about this moment is that America is not merely acknowledging the Jewish roots of some of its values historically, but openly turning again to a distinctly Jewish practice as a possible source of wisdom for the present.—
Ari Berman,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
-
The controversy also took a turn after the discovery of a March 2026 interview with outlet El Nuevo Día in which Díaz openly discussed his family’s involvement in the underground circuit.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
That mugshot—with her straight dark hair, motorcycle jacket, and flat, defiant stare—would come to represent a nation, and generation, in crisis; a startling declaration that America’s own sons and daughters had turned violently against their country.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2026
-
The Sparks were determined to end a season-opening four-game homestand with their second straight win against Toronto.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Another candidate was an outspoken opponent, contending that the project was a sop to developers.—
Jason Zengerle,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
The Lakers executive’s contribution signals growing Hollywood interest in Pratt’s outsider candidacy, which has gained momentum following his outspoken criticism of city leadership after the 2025 Palisades fires.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Serbia’s state railway company Saturday canceled all trains to and from Belgrade, in an apparent bid to prevent some people from coming from other parts of the country.—
Jovana Gec,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2026
-
Some travelers argued Carnival should honor the bookings despite the apparent pricing mistake.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
23 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforward. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
