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
Thomas Drance, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Setting up the lamp was overall straightforward.
—Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 15 Apr. 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
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Adjective
Behind the bench, the club faces a relatively straightforward decision.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Setting up the lamp was overall straightforward.
—Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 15 Apr. 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
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightforward
Adjective
-
Mediators are pushing for a compromise on three main sticking points that derailed direct talks last weekend — Iran’s nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz and compensation for wartime damages, according to a regional official involved in the mediation efforts.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The documents, however, do not provide any direct evidence of criminal wrongdoing.—
Jacob Rosen,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Scrambling isn’t a linear project.—
Matt K. Lewis,
Twin Cities,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Charter has in several recent negotiations won access to streaming counterparts of its linear networks.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
With the intuitive Moon in your sign, your 1st House of Perception asks for honest self-expression without overthinking.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Apr. 2026
-
More astute attention to character development, and more honest portrayals of how most of us really live.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Make kind choices and keep boundaries obvious.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Apr. 2026
-
That said, the presence of companies concerned with defense, security, and sensitive radar systems among the apparent ultimate targets raises obvious red flags.—
Jessica Klein,
PC Magazine,
11 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Some hard-liners have openly criticized the regime for agreeing to a ceasefire, saying that the United States cannot be trusted.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
16 Apr. 2026
-
But above all – with inflation and gas prices on the rise, and the MAGA base openly in revolt – Trump urgently needs a deal.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Already eliminated from the playoffs, Seattle lost to Los Angeles for the first time this season and has not won three straight games since January.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
These songs evince the mix of pop virtuosity and indie sleaze that would eventually make Larsson a cult artist, part of the lineage of straight white girls who are embraced as guardian angels for the gay club scene.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
European nations have been particularly outspoken.—
Gawon Bae,
CNN Money,
13 Apr. 2026
-
But the American pope has become increasingly outspoken against certain policies of the American president.—
Norah O'Donnell,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That said, the presence of companies concerned with defense, security, and sensitive radar systems among the apparent ultimate targets raises obvious red flags.—
Jessica Klein,
PC Magazine,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The following year, Salling died at age 35 of an apparent suicide.—
James Mercadante,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforward. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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