UP-FRONT Synonyms: 82 Similar and Opposite Words

up-front

adjective

ˌəp-ˈfrənt

Definition of up-front

as in outspoken

free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions some hurt feelings could have been spared if he'd been more up-front about whom he was inviting to the party

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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 up-front Investors should worry, where is the money for all of this stupendous, up-front, pre-big-profit AI campaign supposed to come from? — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 19 June 2026 Though moves in this direction would require an up-front investment by prosecutors’ offices, the long-term benefits may be well worth the effort. — Rebecca Dunlea, The Conversation, 17 June 2026 However, Sharma also framed the memo as being up-front about the major challenges facing the Xbox business. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 10 June 2026 Plus there’s the financial issues of the large up-front cost for the sophisticated hardware and support infrastructure, as well as the highly technical staff needed to run this sort of facility. — ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for up-front

Recent Examples of Synonyms for up-front

Adjective

After massive backlash from the community led by outspoken creators like Bordeaux, EA rolled back the concept.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
While the Dalai Lama has served as an outspoken advocate for democracy and human rights, that moral authority may now be co-opted by an authoritarian superpower.

— Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 July 2026

Definition of outspoken

Adjective

There have been differences of perspective, candid conversations, and moments of tension.

— Naftali Bennett, Time, 9 July 2026
Despite the celebrity glitz surrounding their relationship, Kelce got candid on the normalcy of his romance with Swift in a September 2025 interview with GQ.

— Edward Segarra, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Definition of candid

Adjective

Which is why the delivery of a frank but highly articulate speech about desire, especially to the very person one desires, proves unbearably intense.

— André Aciman, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
Such realism, buttressed by frank discussions of perimenopause and other facts of midlife, helps rather than hinders the show’s ability to transport.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 9 July 2026

Definition of frank

Adjective

The appeal for Philadelphia, from a basketball standpoint, is straightforward and multi-pronged.

— Tony Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026
But while both certificates of deposit (CDs) and high-yield savings accounts continue to advertise attractive yields, deciding where to park that money isn't always a straightforward process.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Definition of straightforward

Adjective

Elle Fanning stars as Effie Trinket, originally played by Elizabeth Banks; the forthcoming fifth film also provides the backstory to Effie and Haymitch’s relationship in the trilogy.

— Mya Copeland, Variety, 4 July 2026
The song will appear on the forthcoming anniversary edition of the album, which was originally released on Beyoncé’s 25th birthday and debuted atop the Billboard 200 with more than 541,000 copies sold in its first week.

— SPIN Staff, SPIN, 4 July 2026

Definition of forthcoming

Adjective

Lorde’s and Parker’s letters are forthright and funny from the start, but the other writers are reticent and polite at first.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
Americans heard much more forthright rationales from generals involved in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

— Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026

Definition of forthright

Browse Nearby Words

upends

up-front

upgrade

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“Up-front.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/up-front. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of up-front

adjective

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