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
Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2025
Regardless of the quality of the figures, investing in stocks is never a straightforward journey.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Audrey Bruno, SELF, 14 Oct. 2024
While the concept of divestment from Israel appears straightforward—selling off shares of companies with ties to the country—its practical implications are far more complex.
—Solcyré Burga, TIME, 2 May 2024
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Adjective
The story of Kimmel’s suspension isn’t a straightforward one.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2025
Regardless of the quality of the figures, investing in stocks is never a straightforward journey.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Adverb
Despite seeming straightforward, microwaves aren’t standardized, so finding your machine’s power settings in the first place can be confusing, Chen says.
—Audrey Bruno, SELF, 14 Oct. 2024
While the concept of divestment from Israel appears straightforward—selling off shares of companies with ties to the country—its practical implications are far more complex.
—Solcyré Burga, TIME, 2 May 2024
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightforward
Adjective
-
The student did not make any direct threats of harm to anyone, officers said.—
Fox19 staff,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Quick-witted and unapologetically direct, he has long been ensconced in notable New York City circles.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
That nice linear life plan is as dated as the company gold watch.—
Joseph Coughlin,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The parkway—America’s longest linear park, with 469 miles of scenic highway—winds through Virginia and North Carolina with picnic spots, waterfalls, vistas, and views all along the way.—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Simmons is a shell of his former self as a playmaker and was never able to develop a jump shot to at least keep defenses honest.—
Noah Camras,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
-
And being honest about that helped build long-term trust.—
Greg Peters,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
And a soft implant can be the best option to avoid an obvious edge.—
Megan McIntyre,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
That’s because your liver won’t give you obvious clues that say there’s a MASH up going there.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
At first, the curious canine sniffs a paw, but soon follows the trail straight to the source—the black dog's ear.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Austin had won two straight before a 2-0 loss to Texas rival FC Dallas last weekend.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This minimalist approach is refined, though perhaps too plain.—
Charles Jefferies,
PC Magazine,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Perk up a plain pillow by enlarging a leaf, using a copier to make a pattern.—
Savanna Bous,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Kirk, an outspoken and devout protestant Christian, was supposedly considering Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy around the time of his death, in the telling of some online.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Terrion is an outspoken person.—
DJ Siddiqi,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
There is a deep respect for the brand’s heritage throughout the collection, but also an unmistakable drive to modernize, internationalize, and individualize the designs for today’s and tomorrow’s audience.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
The mood on the factory floor was unmistakable.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforward. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.
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