no-nonsense

adjective

ˈnō-ˌnän-ˌsen(t)s How to pronounce no-nonsense (audio)
Definition of no-nonsensenext
as in solemn
not joking or playful in mood or manner a no-nonsense gymnastics coach

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 no-nonsense But this one is in a pretty brutal industrial town, very no-nonsense. — Zachary Fletcher, USA Today, 7 July 2026 This unvarnished, no-nonsense authenticity helps explain Aguirre’s relatability with players and his ability to convey his instructions. — Colin Millar, New York Times, 4 July 2026 The 26-year-old actress addressed the general confusion surrounding her character’s age on the Yellowstone spinoff and confirmed that her no-nonsense cowgirl is, in fact, older than her high school boyfriend Carter (Finn Little). — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 23 June 2026 Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who’s winning plaudits for his no-nonsense commentary on Fox Sports during this World Cup, played for clubs like Barcelona, AC Milan, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain. — Sean Gregory, Time, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for no-nonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-nonsense
  1. solemn
  2. serious
  3. stern
  4. professional
  5. earnest
Adjective
  • Preservationists also say that the arch’s scale would overwhelm the solemn character of Arlington National Cemetery.
    — Janay Kingsberry, The Atlantic, 19 July 2026
  • Nolan’s more solemn final act attempts too much and doesn’t develop some key moments.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
Definition of solemn
Adjective
  • The claim and counterclaim are among serious allegations – including of smear campaigns and embezzlement – aired in multiple court cases now swirling around the production of the Australian musical comedy.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Deputies followed behind and reported no serious injuries related to the rolling sedan.
    — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 22 July 2026
Definition of serious
Adjective
  • Most include a warning of no refunds and a stern caution to know the limits of one’s own taste buds—something too many poor souls choose to ignore.
    — Ellen Fort, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 July 2026
  • There’s also hints of vulnerability and genuine tenderness in her stern headmistress of the bedroom, which Wilde slips in just slyly enough to let the presence of a heart peek through all the brainy brashness and hormone overload.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2026
Definition of stern
Adjective
  • Smith became the sports director at the ABC affiliate in San Diego following his playing career and was co-host of a long-running radio show while covering college and professional football for national TV broadcast.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
  • Goff hopes the Jayhawks can adapt some of the same structures of professional franchises moving forward.
    — Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Definition of professional
Adjective
  • Chris Dowling’s film is earnest in its attempt to extract specifically Christian life lessons from a familiar tale of manchildren forced into growing up, and goes pretty light on the Bible-bashing relative to others in its cinematic church.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 25 July 2026
  • Music, Fashion, Film is a definite left-turn from the pop provocateur’s recent work, but its earnest blend of cheek and vulnerability is Charli through and through.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026
Definition of earnest

Browse Nearby Words

nonofficial
no-nonsense
nonoperating
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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