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 straight
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
as in honesty
the free expression of one's true feelings and opinions
not all of her voice students appreciate the straightforwardness with which she tells them that they're not going to make it as professional singers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of straightforward
Yann Dang, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
However, the franchise's timeline is not as straightforward as the release dates suggest.
—Maddie Garfinkle, People.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Solcyré Burga, TIME, 2 May 2024
The logic seemed straightforward: identify gaps, provide training and watch performance improve.
—Hudson Garrett, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Adjective
To survive, many walk a tightrope: confident, but not too confident; straightforward, but not too direct; passionate, but not too emotional.
—Yann Dang, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
However, the franchise's timeline is not as straightforward as the release dates suggest.
—Maddie Garfinkle, People.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Adverb
While the concept of divestment from Israel appears straightforward—selling off shares of companies with ties to the country—its practical implications are far more complex.
—Solcyré Burga, TIME, 2 May 2024
The logic seemed straightforward: identify gaps, provide training and watch performance improve.
—Hudson Garrett, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightforward
Adjective
-
Donyell Malen has been direct and emphatic in his finishing.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Trump’s order prohibits third-party collectives from offering direct pay-for-play deals, insists NIL must be tied to real brand value, and mandates that colleges above certain revenue thresholds maintain or expand funding and participation in women’s and Olympic sports.—
Aaron S. Marks,
Hartford Courant,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
At present, the ratio is more in keeping with a 90/10 split in favor of linear TV.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
City’s attack became more linear, often seeking Haaland early or recycling possession to reset the build-up.—
Sukhman Singh,
New York Times,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The point is to be honest with parents and the people tasked with running our schools about how the system is doing. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Aug. 2025
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Find two people, no more, who can be brutally honest with you, yet love you enough to speak gently.—
Pankaj Vasani,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Not all primary headaches have obvious explanations.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
21 Aug. 2025
-
The first and most obvious is the genuinely absurd three year wait for eight more episodes of a show that in no way should take that long to make.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
The Highlanders have won 28 straight against Grossmont.—
John Maffei,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Aug. 2025
-
Vols have won two straight in Knoxville but haven't won in Tuscaloosa since 2003 in 5OT.—
Marc Weiszer,
The Tennessean,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Vulnerability signals honesty and makes your request more relatable.—
Julia Korn,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
-
These conversations will be filled with all the humor, heart and no-filter honesty that fans of the influencer have come to expect from her.—
Angela Andaloro,
People.com,
23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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These frames slip right around standard switch plates, instantly turning them from plain plastic rectangles into polished, eye-catching features.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Aug. 2025
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To devein, or not to devein, isn't a plain yes or no answer.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Costco has been an outspoken advocate of DEI, choosing not to flounder under pressure from DEI opponents, and has seen a net increase in sales, which many attribute to their doubling down of DEI.—
Janice Gassam Asare,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
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Read more: Wings' Paige Bueckers Reveals Main WNBA Inspiration Without Hesitation Sabally, who also serves as a union representative, has been among the most outspoken voices as the WNBA and players' association negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement.—
Grant Afseth,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforward. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.
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