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
The spa includes dedicated treatment rooms, including spaces for couples, and offers a straightforward menu of hot stone therapies, Swedish and Thai bodywork, body scrubs, and facials. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 The factors driving corporate decisions to defer financing plans are straightforward. — CNBC, 22 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
  • That count includes troops who died in medical events and other situations that do not have a direct connection to the conflict, with 18 service members having been killed from Iranian strikes, combat aircraft crashes or disposal of Iranian drones.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Customers can preorder by sending her a direct message on either and pay via Venmo.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of direct
Adjective
  • Today’s musical discoveries rarely happen in a linear fashion, and even teenagers are drawn to older songs alongside present-day releases, both in their way brand new.
    — Jack Denton, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The dropoff came amid a government overhaul of Italy’s tax credit system for indie producers and local audiences shifting from traditional linear TV broadcasters to emerging streaming platforms.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of linear
Adjective
  • My honest read on timing is that the five percent will be twenty percent by end of 2027, and fifty by end of 2029.
    — Stephen Messer, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The original impetus for the film, to be honest, was to look at an incredible life story over a long German period.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of honest
Adjective
  • Aside from obvious fixes like leaking ceilings and sagging floors, the layout, which was chopped up into a warren of tight quarters, needed a full gut to allow the space to breathe and gain more light.
    — Juliet Izon, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The best way to alleviate the pressure, therefore, is not to wait on a return but to avoid stringing together so many obvious passing downs that allow the edge rushers to tee off.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of obvious
Adverb
  • Be an active listener When talking to family members about changing traditions, do your best to listen openly and without judgment to what others are saying.
    — Parents, Parents, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The warning carries more weight in the wake of Trump’s decision to openly back Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s election.
    — Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of openly
Adjective
  • The 22-year-old Pratt set a Series rookie record with six straight hits before a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning.
    — Rob Maaddi, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Milwaukee’s bullpen, led by seven outs from Aaron Ashby, had combined for seven straight scoreless innings, before Caminero reached against Antonio Senzatela.
    — Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of straight
Adjective
  • Among the most politically delicate moves this month came when federal agents searched the home of Omar, one of the most outspoken congressional critics of the president.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Macklemore's defiant remarks drew mixed reactions online, with some social media users applauding his outspoken activism while others questioned his motives and accused him of being out of touch.
    — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of outspoken
Adjective
  • One account describes an unusual encounter that raises questions about the object’s flight characteristics and apparent lack of detectable heat.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Commenters seem amused by the apparent gaffe and have chosen to convey their feelings through a plethora of puns, jokes and memes.
    — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 23 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 29 Oct. 2026.

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