straightforward

1 of 2

adjective

straight·​for·​ward ˌstrāt-ˈfȯr-wərd 

ˈstrāt-ˌfȯr-

1

a

: free from evasiveness or obscurity : exact, candid

a straightforward account

b

: clear-cut, precise

2

: proceeding in a straight course or manner : direct, undeviating

straightforwardly adverb

straightforwardness noun

straightforward

2 of 2

adverb

variants or less commonly straightforwards

ˌstrāt-ˈfȯr-wərdz 

: in a straightforward manner

Synonyms

Adjective

• direct
• forthright
• foursquare
• plain
• straight

Adverb

• directly
• forthrightly
• foursquare
• plain
• plainly
• straight
• straightforwardly

Examples of straightforward in a Sentence

Adjective

Using the computer program is fairly straightforward.

He was very straightforward with us.

She gave a straightforward account of what happened.

Adverb

she finally told him straightforward that she wasn't interested in a date

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

On paper, the gig is straightforward, albeit unconscionable: kidnap the daughter of a wealthy businessman and hold her until daddy coughs up the ransom. —Jp Brammer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2024

My task to defeat Gascón is straightforward: uniting the 75% of those who rejected Gascón and come from across every political, geographic, and demographic line. —Nathan Hochman, Orange County Register, 23 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

1809, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

straightforward

1 of 2 adjective

straight·​for·​ward (ˈ)strāt-ˈfȯr-wərd 

1

: outspoken, candid

a straightforward reply

2

: proceeding in a straight course or manner : direct

straightforwardly adverb

straightforwardness noun

straightforward

2 of 2 adverb

variants also straightforwards

-wərdz 

: in a straightforward manner