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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2
as in linear
free from irregularities or digressions in course the missile continued on its straightforward path toward the enemy's command post

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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

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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
Instead, focus on clearly communicating the key benefits in a concise, straightforward and human way. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Designing for change The underlying engineering problem is straightforward. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 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
  • Such direct communication with fans is now taking place on a semi-regular basis.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • What’s in the demo Children of Infinity is a space adventure RPG, just like The Ur-Quan Masters (and its direct spiritual predecessors, Starflight and Starflight 2).
    — Lee Hutchinson, ArsTechnica, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of direct
Adjective
  • Connecting all the spaces are fluid, linear patterns on rugs, cushions, notebooks, and curtains, all by design company Backhausen, a key player in the Wiener Jugendstil (that’s Art Nouveau to you) movement of the early 20th century.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
  • With her new role, Summers-Burke will oversee all creative content for BET’s linear network while continuing to lead BET Studios.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of linear
Adjective
  • Rational, honest people understand that a part of her appeal is to middle America, particularly white people in middle America.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • There’s a lot in this film to be honest, but the first one that comes to mind is probably a moment where Tyler is leading his group in a conversation with the king for the first time.
    — Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of honest
Adjective
  • For all his obvious qualities in attack, Ruiz also praises Kvaratskhelia’s defensive work.
    — Tom Burrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Jacob Klein, Anthropic’s head of threat intelligence, told The New York Times that the situation rarely involves obvious declarations of malicious intent.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of obvious
Adverb
  • The current attorney general refused to appeal a court decision that struck down a 1987 state law prohibiting citizens from openly carrying firearms in public.
    — José Javier Rodríguez, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026
  • However, after his death and while promoting Marrow Deep, Mastodon members talked openly about Hinds’ departure, citing his issues with substance abuse.
    — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of openly
Adjective
  • The latter, who defeated Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva in straight sets Saturday, is in pole position to take over from Aryna Sabalenka, but must reach the semifinals.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Ohtani has missed two straight games for the first time this season and hasn’t pitched since July, as the team prioritizes rest and a mental reset for their two-way star.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of straight
Adjective
  • In recent years, Flav has been outspoken in his efforts to drive social change, from helping Black families displaced by the Los Angeles wildfires last year to championing women’s sports and Olympic athletes.
    — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Kirk was also outspoken about his controversial political views during debates and podcasts, such as his pro-life and anti-gun control stances, criticism of LGBTQ+ and person of color rights and conservative opinions about the roles of women.
    — Elena Tittel, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of outspoken
Adjective
  • His managerial shortcomings have been apparent at times, and his expiring contract made everything seemingly less complicated.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Eco effort The Rosewood group has a green initiative that includes energy conservation, prioritizing sustainability, and embracing a sense of place, but specifics about the Vienna hotel weren’t apparent.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of apparent

Browse Nearby Words

straight-faced
straightforward
straightforwardly
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Cite this Entry

“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforward. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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