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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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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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
Rather than a straightforward technological boycott or embrace, analysts say Chinese technology adoption will vary by sector. — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026 Cloud integration with Autodesk Docs also makes sharing and reviewing files more straightforward. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 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
  • Unveiled amid the high-octane glamour and pristine lawns of the Monterey Car Week in California, the Lucid Gravity GT-S is a direct assault on the most lucrative auto segment in North America.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Unlike countries like Morocco, Egypt and China, Kenya provides limited direct subsidies to cushion electricity prices.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of direct
Adjective
  • Auriga effectively unrolled that circular motor, creating a linear system capable of accelerating an object along a track.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The levels are mostly linear, with players going from Point A to Point B, but the team occasionally changes it up with more free-form stages in which players have tasks to perform or must hit a scoring threshold within a time limit.
    — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of linear
Adjective
  • Attracting and training game officials, to be honest, isn’t the job of the CIF office but of the various regional officials associations that assign them.
    — Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Set in 2009, the film follows two TV reporters forced into a dirty election campaign for a pro-Russian candidate who struggle to stay honest with their work and the people.
    — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of honest
Adjective
  • The switcheroo trend is one more lighthearted example of internet prank culture, with successful clips in the genre using comically obvious edits to highlight the misdirection and avoid any real danger of defamation.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • That connection seems obvious at the linebacker position, on the outside and inside with Carter, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Tremaine Edmunds and Arvell Reese, the fifth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
    — Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of obvious
Adverb
  • But prosecutors say Davis’ decision to write his book and speak openly about his story in interviews effectively negated the deal, and the judge in his trial agreed to allow the recording to be played to the jury.
    — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • As public sentiment has begun to more openly embrace the idea of ketamine as a therapeutic aid, Watts has become a prominent advocate.
    — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of openly
Adjective
  • Grande, for one, opted for an off-white and oversized fuzzy Amomento cardigan, worn over straight-leg blue jeans with white Sandy Liang patent ballet pumps and red socks.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Auxerre gave away two penalties and also played most of the match with 10 men after defender Christ Makosso was shown a straight red card for a foul on Abadallah Sima in the 35th minute.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of straight
Adjective
  • Hong Kong’s position as a once-outspoken corner of China has been upended in recent years by a national security crackdown following huge and often violent democracy protests that convulsed the city in 2019.
    — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Wahab's victory marks another win for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, which is marked by candidates outspoken against Israel.
    — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of outspoken
Adjective
  • Banks and financial market infrastructure (FMIs) are getting serious about blockchain again, something that is becoming increasingly apparent in light of major announcements from global banks and financial institutions.
    — Ravi Chamria, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Thompson is the backup to Quentin Johnston, who limped off the practice field with an apparent leg injury this week and didn’t dress for the preseason game.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on straightforward

Nglish: Translation of straightforward for Spanish Speakers

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