ˌəp-ˈfrənt 
ˈəp-ˌfrənt
variants
or upfront
: being or coming in or at the front: such as
a(1)
: frank, forthright
were up-front about their suspicions
(2)
: being in a conspicuous or leading position
b
: paid or payable in advance
up-front cash
c
: playing in a front line (as in football)
1
: in or at the front
chose a seat up front
2
: in advance
paid up front
3
: in an up-front manner : frankly, forthrightly
expressed his doubts up front
Examples of up-front in a Sentence
Adjective
some hurt feelings could have been spared if he'd been more up-front about whom he was inviting to the party
Recent Examples on the Web
Brittney Melton, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
The Starlink Kit for Residential has no up-front cost or monthly fee.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
This after Miami made multiple adjustments including dropping a third defender to the back and adding scoring punch with Suarez up front.
—Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for up-front
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.
Adjective
To prepare for thousands in up-front costs, a health savings account could be a good option for you.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
The Starlink Kit for Residential has no up-front cost or monthly fee.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
Adverb
Preparing for his final year of college football, Rutledge is pleased with the new additions up front and ready to get back on the field.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
This after Miami made multiple adjustments including dropping a third defender to the back and adding scoring punch with Suarez up front.
—Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for up-front
Cite this Entry
“Up-front.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/up-front. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
