MATTER-OF-FACTLY Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

matter-of-factly

adverb

as in candidly

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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 matter-of-factly The tech is terrifying, but it’s treated matter-of-factly, played for barked laughs. — Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 12 June 2026 This is presented upsettingly matter-of-factly — sudden, and just out of frame. — Blake Simons, IndieWire, 18 May 2026 Jason Collins had written it so matter-of-factly. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 13 May 2026 My mother reported her friends’ upheavals to me matter-of-factly. — Jennifer Acker, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026 Victims' families packed the courtroom, weeping as Heuermann matter-of-factly answered each of the prosecutor's questions. — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026 When Frank asked him why a saint would visit a short, chubby guy with glasses who played goalie, Gus said very matter-of-factly that it was well known that ordinary folks and the poor often received such visions. — David McGrath, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026 One director noted matter-of-factly that certain generative AI shots in his sizzle reel would be replaced with conventional VFX before release – an admission that spoke volumes about how embedded the technology has become, and how wary practitioners remain of audience or investor scrutiny. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026 The Lakers are 15-9 in their last 24 games, Redick said matter-of-factly. — Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for matter-of-factly

Adverb

Research consistently shows that psychological safety, or the ability to speak candidly without fear of backlash or punishment, is foundational to organizational performance.

— Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Kaling has spoken candidly about her body image throughout her career.

— Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

Definition of candidly

Adverb

And thirdly, the confidence Harley has in its 2026 bikes to facilitate such a thing, and on a wet racetrack no less, is quite frankly amazing.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
But this documentary makes the point that this was a bloody, years-long battle that claimed so many lives and that, frankly, impacted every single person on this territory.

— NBC news, NBC news, 5 July 2026

Definition of frankly

Adverb

However, the creator is fielding queries openly and the project has already surpassed it funding goal.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 July 2026
Huffman, who represents a sprawling slice of Northern California, reaching from the Bay Area to the Oregon border, is one of just four members (out of more than 500) who are openly agnostic or religiously unaffiliated.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Definition of openly

Adverb

William Saliba — France/Arsenal (position unchanged) Gave up almost nothing to his Arsenal team-mate Gyokeres as France nonchalantly dismissed Sweden, dominating in the air and on the floor while distributing the ball sensibly.

— Liam Twomey, New York Times, 4 July 2026
And then, right as Joe’s already prevalent rage is on the precipice of going nuclear, a CGI giraffe nonchalantly strolls past a third-story window in the background.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2026

Definition of nonchalantly

Adverb

Nimin High-Waisted Trousers This trouser option comes in short lengths and can be worn casually with comfy sneakers for brunch, or dressed up with a blouse for the office.

— Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
The actress arrived at the stadium sporting tight curls and a red tracksuit, while Swift opted for an all-black ensemble, with a red jacket–which showed her support for the Kansas City Chiefs–casually draped over her shoulders.

— Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 4 July 2026

Definition of casually

Adverb

Malik Tillman stepped up and coolly scored on the free kick, his shot deflecting into the net off a Belgian player who was jumping as part of a wall.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 7 July 2026
The Australian queen of coolly-observing-bohemia is one of my favorite 2026 discoveries.

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 2 July 2026

Definition of coolly

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matter-of-fact

matter-of-factly

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Style

“Matter-of-factly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matter-of-factly. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of matter-of-factly

adverb

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