straightforward 1 of 2

adjective

ˌstrāt-ˈfȯr-wərd How to pronounce straightforward (audio)
Definition of straightforwardnext
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

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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

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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

straightforward

2 of 2

adverb

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

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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
Adjective
Names like Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji, and even Jason Momoa seemed like straightforward choices for this kind of property. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2026 According to AZFamily, a couple of electronic billboards have popped up in the Phoenix area with a very straightforward, no-nonsense message to owner and team president Michael Bidwill. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Adverb
Through a layered and deeply nuanced performance, Cardellini transforms what could have been a straightforward femme fatale into a fiercely compelling protagonist. — Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 8 June 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
  1. direct
  2. linear
  3. honest
  4. obvious
  5. openly
  6. straight
  7. outspoken
  8. apparent
Adjective
  • According to Chen, the business is more direct-to-consumer than wholesale.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • However, the new device has not yet demonstrated direct measurement of Earth’s rotation.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of direct
Adjective
  • Positioning the commercial arm of the 100-year-old BBC for a streaming future while managing the traditional linear channels that still do great business in many international territories.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Unlike Netflix, Disney is wrestling with the ongoing deterioration of linear TV.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of linear
Adjective
  • Jones turned in a yeoman's effort, going 22-35 for 155 passing yards and two touchdowns while also keeping the Longhorn defense honest with his legs.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • In McDonnell, his supporters say, the mayor has an honest and principled leader who has managed to steady a department beset by low morale, dwindling staffing levels and aging facilities.
    — Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of honest
Adjective
  • Many players have obvious economic incentives to seek to extend their collegiate careers for as long as possible.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The press release probably didn’t need to also say the company imbued it with distinctive character or charm; that’s quite obvious from the design.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of obvious
Adverb
  • First Proof’s rules require any entrants to be openly available, so OpenAI’s blockbuster new model was excluded.
    — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Hollywood should be a city where Jewish residents can live openly, safely and proudly, without intimidation, hatred or antisemitism.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of openly
Adjective
  • Trailing the Brewers 2-0 in the best-of-seven series, the Dodgers desperately need to put themselves in the best possible position to win Game 3 and avoid four straight win-or-go-home contests.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • In the absence of DJ Moore, Shakir still only received three targets but managed over 80 yards for the second straight week.
    — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of straight
Adjective
  • Speculation and conspiracy theories have plagued Kirk’s death, fueled even by public figures such as Candace Owens, a longtime friend of Kirk, who has been outspoken about her belief that his death was orchestrated in an elaborate plot.
    — Mackenzie Chase, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
  • As an adult, Crawford's daughter Christina was outspoken about her troubled childhood in Brentwood.
    — Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of outspoken
Adjective
  • The Trying star is leading The Death of Sherlock Holmes, which fills the gap between the detective’s apparent death at the Reichenbach Falls in 1891 and his reappearance in The Adventure of the Empty House three years later.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Investigators with the city of Douglas, Georgia have released the identities of the five adults killed in an apparent murder-suicide last week.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of apparent

Browse Nearby Words

straight-faced
straightforward
straightforwardly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforward. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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