straightforward

1 of 2

adjective

straight·​for·​ward ˌstrāt-ˈfȯr-wərd 

ˈstrāt-ˌfȯr-

1

a

: free from evasiveness or obscurity : exact, candid

a straightforward account

b

: clear-cut, precise

2

: proceeding in a straight course or manner : direct, undeviating

straightforwardly adverb

straightforwardness noun

straightforward

2 of 2

adverb

variants or less commonly straightforwards

ˌstrāt-ˈfȯr-wərdz 

: in a straightforward manner

Synonyms

Adjective

• direct
• forthright
• foursquare
• plain
• straight

Adverb

• directly
• forthrightly
• foursquare
• plain
• plainly
• straight
• straightforwardly

Examples of straightforward in a Sentence

Adjective

Using the computer program is fairly straightforward.

He was very straightforward with us.

She gave a straightforward account of what happened.

Adverb

she finally told him straightforward that she wasn't interested in a date

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The hardware seemed mature and ready to use today -- the process to snap on and take off is straightforward, and once connected the camera UI switches to the optical lens. —Ben Sin, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025

The mission, though, is much more straightforward: Explore the origins of the universe. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025

Adverb

The cinematography morphs from something appropriate for a wacky comedic satire (straightforward) to lurid horror-movie tones; the score follows a similar path. —Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 15 Oct. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adverb

1779, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for straightforward

• henceforward
• thenceforward
• carryforward
• equatorward
• forward
• shoreward

Kids Definition

straightforward

1 of 2 adjective

straight·​for·​ward (ˈ)strāt-ˈfȯr-wərd 

1

: outspoken, candid

a straightforward reply

2

: proceeding in a straight course or manner : direct

straightforwardly adverb

straightforwardness noun

straightforward

2 of 2 adverb

variants also straightforwards

-wərdz 

: in a straightforward manner