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
Jeremy Gosnell, Baltimore Sun, 20 July 2025
Serenity’s ask was straightforward: Humanities Tennessee needed money.
—Andrea Williams, Nashville Tennessean, 19 July 2025
Solcyré Burga, TIME, 2 May 2024
The logic seemed straightforward: identify gaps, provide training and watch performance improve.
—Hudson Garrett, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Adjective
Their mission is refreshingly straightforward: serve teachers, not politics.
—Jeremy Gosnell, Baltimore Sun, 20 July 2025
Serenity’s ask was straightforward: Humanities Tennessee needed money.
—Andrea Williams, Nashville Tennessean, 19 July 2025
Adverb
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
The logic seemed straightforward: identify gaps, provide training and watch performance improve.
—Hudson Garrett, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for straightforward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightforward
Adjective
-
Still, the collaboration with Redwood Materials to deploy energy storage systems does not put it in direct competition with its joint venture partner.—
Jackie Charniga,
USA Today,
22 July 2025
-
For children born between 1994 and 2023, the CDC estimates that vaccines prevented 1.1 million deaths and resulted in $540 billion in direct savings.—
Andrew Montequin,
jsonline.com,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
Conclusion: Time to Retire the ‘End User’ The term ‘end user’ belongs to an earlier era of linear systems and passive tools.—
Lindsay Phillips,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
-
Deadline is told by a number of sources that the BBC is leaning towards showing the series, most likely on both linear TV and iPlayer.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
Be honest about systems that are no longer serving their purpose.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
The production noted how the work has continued to resonate with readers over the past decade, for its honest depiction of trauma recovery and the power of self-empowerment and love.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
And then there are the descriptions of the additional terms, which may not be obvious.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
But a sharp turn straight into country seems like far too obvious a path for a singer-songwriter who has quietly done her own thing.—
Julyssa Lopez,
Rolling Stone,
14 July 2025
Adverb
-
No wonder so many Hollywood luminaries have been shipping their kids off to New England for nearly eight weeks every summer — far from the privilege and polish of L.A. life and straight into the land of lanyards and communal childhood trauma.—
Benjamin Svetkey,
HollywoodReporter,
26 July 2025
-
This principle bypasses complex geopolitical narratives and cuts straight to the heart of shared humanity.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
Adjective
-
But also take your time in crafting the perfect order of its plain pie — simply tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil — or its white pie — with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, butter, garlic, olive oil and basil.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
25 July 2025
-
Across social media, we’re told drinking plain water is passe, subpar, and incredibly basic.—
Stephanie McNeal,
Glamour,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
Maher is often outspoken about normalizing all body types.—
Vanessa Etienne,
People.com,
14 July 2025
-
Several of Sanchez's teammates, specifically Trea Turner, Nick Castellanos and JT Realmuto were very outspoken about the decision to add Misiorowski over Sanchez.—
Andrew Wright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
The public display hit televisions and phone screens across the country and was an unmistakable signal that the Trump administration was not done flexing its political muscle in California.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
19 July 2025
-
Dignity Through Every Stage Of Life The shift in conversation is unmistakable.—
Karen Fonseth,
Forbes.com,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforward. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share