NO-NONSENSE Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

no-nonsense

adjective

ˈnō-ˌnän-ˌsen(t)s

Definition of no-nonsense

as in solemn

not joking or playful in mood or manner a no-nonsense gymnastics coach

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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 no-nonsense Sigman plays Carmen Belandria, a no-nonsense, fiercely loyal mother and wife of Miguel. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026 The actress, comedian, and famously tough interviewer plays a no-nonsense bouncer at a party Allie and Owen are desperate to attend. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Aug. 2026 Spiridakos is terrific as the no-nonsense ranger who refuses to let herself be crushed by her past or present. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026 Those who knew Granger remember her as a champion of Fort Worth and a hard-working, no-nonsense, consensus builder in Washington who wasn’t afraid to work across the aisle. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for no-nonsense

Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-nonsense

Adjective

The slow chimes of Big Ben sounded, and then the newsreader’s solemn voice with the headlines.

— Helen Simpson, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
In addition, the new king will receive a solemn ecclesiastical blessing in Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.

— Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of solemn

Adjective

Irving was born in New York City on April 3, 1783, the son of a stern Scottish immigrant who ran a tidy import business selling wine, sugar, and hardware.

— Eric Lach, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
Former President Joe Biden turned to then-CIA Director William Burns to relay stern warnings to Russia before and after President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

— Matthew Mulligan, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of stern

Adjective

After a difficult period of professional decline and personal tragedy, Smith died from an accidental overdose in 2007 at the age of 39.

— Imani Sumbi, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026
Her professional background as a child and family therapist and passion for offering support to families gives her a uniquely insightful perspective on the intersection of mental health, relationships and education.

— Beth Collums, AJC.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of professional

Adjective

Amid a national cinema that has become internationally recognized for perverse plotting and deadpan absurdism, writer-director Alexis Alexiou‘s third feature stands out for its stark storytelling and earnest emotional intensity.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026
But there’s also a subtle rejection of the earnest wokeness of years past.

— Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of earnest

Browse Nearby Words

nonofficial

no-nonsense

nonoperating

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“No-nonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-nonsense. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of no-nonsense

adjective

Example Sentences

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