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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of straightforward
Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 17 June 2025
From the steakhouse to the clubhouse Before meeting Chloe, life was far from straightforward for Philip Barbaree as a golfer.
—Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 14 June 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
In other words, Chase has switched from giving an earnings bonus on purchases with a straightforward 1.5x earning structure, to discounting on redemptions.
—Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 17 June 2025
From the steakhouse to the clubhouse Before meeting Chloe, life was far from straightforward for Philip Barbaree as a golfer.
—Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 14 June 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
-
He is estimated to have made them about €10m in direct revenue.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
-
The military action was retaliatory, a direct response to the U.S. strikes on nuclear facilities.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
Rethink The Funnel: Trust The Educated Buyer Traditional sales funnels are linear.—
Leonard Cercone,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
-
In addition to interviews with a slew of famous celebrities, from Lucille Ball and Gilda Radner to Mel Brooks and Muhammad Ali, several of the episodes being added will also include their original musical performances — a rarity with classic talk and variety shows on streaming or even linear TV.—
Josef Adalian,
Vulture,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
Ananda Lewis’ voice cut through silence like light through mist—bold, unwavering, and luminously honest.—
Essence,
Essence,
23 June 2025
-
What is your secret to remaining an innovator in your field? To be honest, I get inspired.—
Nigel Smith,
People.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
But before checking for ripeness, start by inspecting the pineapple for any obvious signs of damage or spoilage, including bruising, soft spots, wrinkled skin, or dry, brown leaves.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
22 June 2025
-
This is an obvious chips-in move for them after their half-court offense face-planted against the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
Adverb
-
Get the Robb Report newsletter for similar stories delivered straight to your inbox.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
20 June 2025
-
The Sox were swept in the doubleheader and have lost eight straight — matching a season high.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
The story itself is stripped to bone and sinew: a sleepy New England beach town that wants tourist dollars more than truth, an invisible killer in plain water, and three men — one scared sheriff, one cocky scientist, one Ahab of a fisherman — set adrift to settle nature’s score.—
Philip Martin,
Arkansas Online,
19 June 2025
-
The smug and sanctimonious tenor of their briefing makes that plain.—
Christie D’Zurilla,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2025
Adjective
-
Newsom, however, was an outspoken opponent of the proposition.—
George Skelton,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2025
-
The Democratic lawmakers have been outspoken critics of conditions at the centers amid concerns over overcrowding and detainee deaths.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
The pattern is unmistakable: just as Enron triggered SOX, AI governance failures will trigger mandatory expertise requirements.—
Steven Wolfe Pereira,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
-
The symbolism of the decision to target this base—the same one that U.S. President Donald Trump visited only two months ago during his tour of Gulf states, and one located in a country that maintains close ties to and shares an offshore gas field with Iran—is unmistakable.—
Dana Stroul,
Foreign Affairs,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforward. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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