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
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 straightforward
Dalton Ross, EW.com, 16 Apr. 2025
The setup is quick and straightforward, making one-page prints lightning fast.
—Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025
Bre Richey, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2023
For starters, microsites keep the user journey straightforward: one action and one outcome.
—Steve Ohanians, Forbes, 18 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Adjective
But some fans prefer a more straightforward game where strategic alliances are all that matter.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 16 Apr. 2025
The setup is quick and straightforward, making one-page prints lightning fast.
—Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025
Adverb
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
For starters, microsites keep the user journey straightforward: one action and one outcome.
—Steve Ohanians, Forbes, 18 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightforward
Adjective
-
The president can make nominations but doesn't have direct oversight.—
Bonnie Bolden,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Other prominent Democrats and former officials in the Biden administration have also faced direct threats and actions from the Trump administration.—
Tom Dreisbach,
NPR,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The Glorious Heyday Of A-To-B Thinking For generations, linear thinking reigned supreme.—
Lee Salisbury,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
-
The linear demand for MLS just isn’t there in terms of the financials.—
Richard Deitsch,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This was an honest error and was not intentional in any way.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
24 Apr. 2025
-
But only if leaders have the appetite for that kind of honest data.—
Aparna Rae,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
With such a depleted draft stash, the Bucks don't have any obvious levers to pull to help bolster their supporting cast alongside Antetokounmpo and Lillard.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Still, Strider was frustrated for obvious reasons and searching for answers.—
David O'Brien,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
After a good bottle shake, pump three to six drops into the palms of your hands then dab onto skin, or mix it in straight with your moisturizer—dealer’s choice.—
Deanna Pai,
Vogue,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Albeit against an Ipswich side who look primed to go straight back down following the back-to-back promotions which took them from third-tier League One to the top flight, the attacking presence of White opened up the pitch.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Industry experts say some of the reasons are plain to see: Reports of detentions and deportations, including the weekslong lockup of European tourists, have sowed fears of bad experiences at the border.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Amazon also has this plain pair without any blooms, although it’s still made with embroidery.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
People.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The actor has long been an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and particularly transgender women.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Beyond her pioneering achievements behind the wheel, Levitt was also an inventor, a royal driving instructor, a suffragette and an outspoken writer.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The state Department of Environmental Conservation and the city DEP both cited the MTA earlier this month when an apparent overflow in the depot’s sewage ejection pit ran off into nearby storm drains, spilling what DEC inspectors estimated to be 50 gallons of waste into the bay.—
Evan Simko-Bednarski,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2025
-
What could draw such large predators to an apparent oceanic desert?—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforward. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share