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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in linear
free from irregularities or digressions in course
the missile continued on its straightforward path toward the enemy's command post
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in obvious
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation
the distinction between the two types of offenses is pretty straightforward
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also straightforwards
as in straight
in an honest and direct manner
she finally told him straightforward that she wasn't interested in a date
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of straightforward
Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
The chapters on her years as Prime Minister are compressed into a straightforward recounting of events.
—Rachel Morris, New Yorker, 5 June 2025
Hudson Garrett, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
Available at Amazon [ Moby Ring Sling ] Not only is this ring sling straightforward to slip on, it’s designed to evenly distribute your baby’s weight across your back, shoulders and hips for optimal support.
—Bre Richey, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Adjective
The process is rarely, in my experience, clean, straightforward and simple.
—Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
The chapters on her years as Prime Minister are compressed into a straightforward recounting of events.
—Rachel Morris, New Yorker, 5 June 2025
Adverb
The logic seemed straightforward: identify gaps, provide training and watch performance improve.
—Hudson Garrett, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
Available at Amazon [ Moby Ring Sling ] Not only is this ring sling straightforward to slip on, it’s designed to evenly distribute your baby’s weight across your back, shoulders and hips for optimal support.
—Bre Richey, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightforward
Adjective
-
Israel considers Iran's nuclear program to be a direct threat to its national security.—
Rebecca Rosman,
NPR,
16 June 2025
-
The unprecedented firing of the entire Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. poses a direct threat to American health.—
Tom Frieden,
Time,
16 June 2025
Adjective
-
Prompting Instantaneous Decision Moments AI is collapsing linear customer journeys into instantaneous decision moments, often before a user even signals intent.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
-
The continued decline of linear TV is one issue nearly all studios are grappling with.—
Samantha Masunaga,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2025
Adjective
-
How can leaders conduct honest conversations without inspiring defensiveness, denial, or backlash?—
Lauren Howe,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
One of those fans, apparently, is singer Ciara, who recently urged the Harlem artist to make Lampkin an honest women after running into the rapper in the BET Awards press room this weekend.—
Jessica Bennett,
VIBE.com,
9 June 2025
Adjective
-
Lionsgate post-Starz spin-off would be the most obvious choice, without the weight of cable networks on both sides and with a host of still-viable Lionsgate franchises including John Wick, The Hunger Games and Saw.—
Howard Homonoff,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
Sending in the National Guard was an obvious military flex, designed to to bait Angelenos while perhaps distracting Americans from Trump’s far greater troubles.—
Mary McNamara,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
Adverb
-
The setbacks do not cut straight across but curl upward, not unlike the façade treatment of the building a dozen blocks to the south called the Spiral.—
Christopher Bonanos,
Curbed,
6 June 2025
-
Get exclusive awards season news, in-depth interviews and columnist Glenn Whipp’s must-read analysis straight to your inbox.—
Glenn Whipp,
Los Angeles Times,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
Its impact on the modern environment is made plain when the geologist protagonist must flee terrible wildfires there.—
Diana Arterian
June 5,
Literary Hub,
5 June 2025
-
My mom rocked her plain white canvas sneakers through her four years at Michigan State University (that's her in the picture on the day the Olympic torch was run through the MSU campus in 1984).—
Chaunie Brusie,
Parents,
2 June 2025
Adjective
-
Known for his outspoken floor speeches and frequent criticism of bipartisan bills, May had also built a reputation as a disruptive political consultant, backing challengers against sitting GOP incumbents.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
-
Thompson, who turned 31 in April, was a longtime leader of the Panthers’ locker room, known for his energy, quickness and outspoken nature.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
10 June 2025
Adjective
-
When asked where Jean lived, Joseph gave an address that police later identified as Roseau’s, an apparent building on Snyder Ave.—
Roni Jacobson,
New York Daily News,
15 June 2025
-
Overall, what stands out most positively about this limited edition is its apparent focus on capability and heritage over pure aesthetics.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
14 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforward. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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