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
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
John Kell, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026
Figuring out how to measure fitness in this context isn’t straightforward.
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 25 Mar. 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
Literary Hub, 13 Mar. 2026
Her question, in Lipe-Smith’s inquisitive piccolo of a voice, is heartbreaking in its blend of straightforwardness and desperate desire, as is her mother’s wavering response.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Adjective
Some of the more straightforward AI deployments are easier to monitor.
—John Kell, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026
Figuring out how to measure fitness in this context isn’t straightforward.
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 25 Mar. 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
Noun
Mary Gaitskill is particularly good at this ideal combination of straightforwardness and pithiness.
—Literary Hub, 13 Mar. 2026
Her question, in Lipe-Smith’s inquisitive piccolo of a voice, is heartbreaking in its blend of straightforwardness and desperate desire, as is her mother’s wavering response.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightforward
Adjective
-
Tehran, however, continues to deny any direct negotiations are taking place.—
Joseph Wilkins,Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
25 Mar. 2026
-
His big break came when the Tar Heels hired him — a guy with direct connections to Air Force and Kansas, but not so much to UNC — to be an obscure assistant coach.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Riachi created the custom travertine fireplace with a walnut surround, puncturing it with vertical openings and linear alabaster wall sconces to echo the screens in the entrance hall.—
Amy Bradford,
Architectural Digest,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The very region embroiled in this war reveals that there is not a linear shift from fossil fuels to renewable sources.—
Ezgi Canpolat,
The Conversation,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
There’s nothing funnier than being honest.—
Vinson Cunningham,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Ready to be honest about what lights you up?—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Chapman followed with an RBI single, and the crowd cheered as many fans jumped to their feet in obvious relief.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The voice on Lars’s tablet insisted that teaching was one of the most obvious tasks to delegate to humanoids.—
Alexandra Petri,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
House Speaker David Osborne, R-Prospect, openly said early in the session that neither would advance.—
Lucas Aulbach,
Louisville Courier Journal,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard made history as the first openly transgender woman to do so in Tokyo in 2021, though no woman who transitioned after being assigned male at birth is known to have participated in an Olympics since.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
When Saint Harison released his EP Lost a Friend in 2023, the songs felt like diary entries set to velvet production, full of intimate spiraling and steeped in late-night honesty.—
Gabrielle Nicole Pharms,
Rolling Stone,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Jacobs is a real find as Matt, exhibiting a touch of honesty and authenticity that matches his co-star’s in every way.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Senior Sarah Graves and Texas women’s basketball are headed back to their second straight Final Four after a 77-41 win over Michigan in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament on Monday at Dickies Arena.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Gilgeous-Alexander scored six straight points to cut the deficit to 97-96 and Jaylin Williams, who missed his first five shots, drained a corner 3-pointer to tie the game at 99.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The pair are joined by 14 others, including conwoman Anna Delvey and outspoken influencer Hallie Batchelder.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Actress and singer Selena Gomez continues to be outspoken about mental health following her diagnosis with bipolar disorder.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforward. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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