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
Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 14 Jan. 2026
In even the most straightforward Tanner Matt production, there’s a moment where everything threatens to disintegrate.
—Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 14 Jan. 2026
Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
The cinematography morphs from something appropriate for a wacky comedic satire (straightforward) to lurid horror-movie tones; the score follows a similar path.
—Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 15 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Adjective
For more than 75 years, Broadway has delighted Columbia, including lots of hungry Mizzou students, with straightforward takes on comfort foods.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 14 Jan. 2026
In even the most straightforward Tanner Matt production, there’s a moment where everything threatens to disintegrate.
—Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 14 Jan. 2026
Adverb
This new amplifier is controlled using the Pro-Ject Home smartphone app, which makes setting everything up straightforward.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
The cinematography morphs from something appropriate for a wacky comedic satire (straightforward) to lurid horror-movie tones; the score follows a similar path.
—Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 15 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightforward
Adjective
-
That is a direct threat against the people of this state, who dared to vote against him three times, and who continue to stand up for freedom with courage and empathy and profound grace.—
Pioneer Press,
Twin Cities,
15 Jan. 2026
-
In the last 12 months, over 60,000 federal employees who had provided direct veteran healthcare services, including us having a care team around us, have been laid off or paid off to retire early.—
John Ramos,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
One of the great things about this class is that nobody’s path has been entirely linear.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Traditional television, meanwhile, is forecast to decline by a cumulative $8 billion as linear advertising and pay-TV subscriptions continue to erode.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Sharing the video felt like a way to acknowledge that reality in an honest way.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Most Americans are good, honest, hardworking Americans who want to make their country a better place.—
Tony Dokoupil,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
At the most obvious level, of course.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Jan. 2026
-
But her agent at GSE Worldwide represents all three of the other FP Movement tennis players, Sloane Stephens, Danielle Collins, and Sofia Kenin, which made for an easy and obvious transition.—
Jessica Schiffer,
Vogue,
14 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Trump openly lobbied to be awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, but the honor was instead given to Machado.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
16 Jan. 2026
-
The artist also speaks openly about responsibility towards family, lineage, community; and how those pressures shape both his life and his storytelling.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The straight-leg fit here is the ideal balance for anyone who doesn’t love baggy or wide-leg styles, and the ankle-grazing length lets your favorite winter boots take center stage.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Bryant held a 47-38 advantage after Camarion Bead's three-point play with just over five minutes to go in the third quarter, but Jonesboro charged back with six straight points to cut the gap to three.—
Erick Taylor,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Then there’s reality TV star Spencer Pratt, an outspoken Bass critic, who launched a campaign rooted in his fury over the city’s handling of the fire — and the loss of his family’s home in the flames.—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The outspoken auteur, considered one of Iranian cinema’s greatest living masters, is still in the crosshairs of the government known as the Islamic Republic of Iran.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Two people suffered life-threatening injuries and a suspect has been arrested in connection with an apparent stabbing in San Francisco on Saturday evening, police said.—
Brandon Downs,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
-
For many of the previous 120 days, Tara tells Thomas what is happening to her, and convinces him of her situation through her apparent clairvoyance.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforward. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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