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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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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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
Managing long-term vision can be straightforward, and getting replacement lenses is easier than ever, though keeping them in good shape means consistent daily care practices. — Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 This is a common question about Hinduism but not a straightforward one to answer. — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 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
  • Katarzyna Nowakowska, Poland's deputy minister for family, labor and social policy, told the AP that the most vulnerable applicants still receive direct help from the state and any other refugees needing support should turn to social workers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • To enjoy it past its best-by date safely, store your tea bags in a cool, dry place away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight, Tucker says.
    — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of direct
Adjective
  • The linear arrangement of bases in the DNA gets directly translated into the linear sequence of amino acids that make up a protein.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Netflix has separated itself from the rest of the streaming- and linear-television pack in Nason’s and Gasparo’s genre of choice.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of linear
Adjective
  • April 20 – May 20 A plan with friends may work better with a little honest adjusting.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Taurus April 20 – May 20 A plan with friends may work better with a little honest adjusting.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of honest
Adjective
  • The comparisons between the start of Ray Allen’s and Klay Thompson’s Miami Heat stories seem obvious.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Yet with no obvious signs of trauma, the researchers couldn’t say what sent the woman to an early grave.
    — Mike McRae August 25, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of obvious
Adverb
  • The Tate brothers, who openly describe themselves as misogynists, built a global following by promoting a lavish, hypermasculine lifestyle through their social media empire.
    — Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point reports that veteran foreign jihadists now openly call al-Sharaa a sellout.
    — Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of openly
Adjective
  • The Bears used seven straight runs up the middle to drive 75 yards for the opening touchdown.
    — Mike McGraw, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Coach John Harbaugh made the interesting decision Friday night to sit Dart and a number of other starters for a second straight preseason game.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of straight
Adjective
  • Strahan has been outspoken about his kids in the past, sharing in 2025 that his daughter Isabella Strahan had been diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a cancerous brain tumor, two years prior.
    — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Davis has long been an outspoken advocate for diversity and Black representation, especially in the entertainment industry.
    — Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of outspoken
Adjective
  • This led to a segment on Newsmax in which anchor Carl Higbie deleted one Jelly Roll song from his phone on air, demonstrating the apparent righteous power of tapping a touch-screen button.
    — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Colleges put limits on the right of students and teachers to express points of view that departed from this new apparent consensus.
    — Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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