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
PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
For Holding, who debuted in a back five that leaked four goals to SKC two weeks ago, the keys to the game — at least defensively — are fairly straightforward.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025
Audrey Bruno, SELF, 14 Oct. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Adjective
The Beats Solo 4 are straightforward headphones that provide strong bass, crisp highs, and a signature sound that’s lively without being overwhelming.
—PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
For Holding, who debuted in a back five that leaked four goals to SKC two weeks ago, the keys to the game — at least defensively — are fairly straightforward.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025
Adverb
Despite seeming straightforward, microwaves aren’t standardized, so finding your machine’s power settings in the first place can be confusing, Chen says.
—Audrey Bruno, SELF, 14 Oct. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightforward
Adjective
-
The high-energy track, which blends old school hip-hop vibes with rock elements, marks the first time a virtual group has ever produced a song and direct choreography for an audition survival series.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Hawaii's main islands have seen occasional direct landfalls from hurricanes and tropical storms over the years, including along some of its western islands.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
That nice linear life plan is as dated as the company gold watch.—
Joseph Coughlin,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The parkway—America’s longest linear park, with 469 miles of scenic highway—winds through Virginia and North Carolina with picnic spots, waterfalls, vistas, and views all along the way.—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Simmons is a shell of his former self as a playmaker and was never able to develop a jump shot to at least keep defenses honest.—
Noah Camras,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
-
And being honest about that helped build long-term trust.—
Greg Peters,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
And a soft implant can be the best option to avoid an obvious edge.—
Megan McIntyre,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
That’s because your liver won’t give you obvious clues that say there’s a MASH up going there.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
At first, the curious canine sniffs a paw, but soon follows the trail straight to the source—the black dog's ear.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Austin had won two straight before a 2-0 loss to Texas rival FC Dallas last weekend.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This minimalist approach is refined, though perhaps too plain.—
Charles Jefferies,
PC Magazine,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Perk up a plain pillow by enlarging a leaf, using a copier to make a pattern.—
Savanna Bous,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Prince Harry and his father, King Charles III, have reunited amid the royal family's estrangement from the outspoken prince.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Lucy Liu has been quite outspoken in recent years, calling out the unjust treatment of women and the paucity of roles for non-white actors in Hollywood, and advocating for the rights of children through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), among other relevant topics.—
Brett Berk,
Robb Report,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
There is a deep respect for the brand’s heritage throughout the collection, but also an unmistakable drive to modernize, internationalize, and individualize the designs for today’s and tomorrow’s audience.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
The mood on the factory floor was unmistakable.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforward. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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