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
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Recent Examples of straightforward
Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2025
The economic benefits aren’t so straightforward, though.
—Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 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 Musk’s political project with DOGE is actually quite straightforward: The world’s richest man appears to be indiscriminately dismantling the government with an eye toward consolidating power and punishing his political enemies.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2025
The economic benefits aren’t so straightforward, though.
—Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 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
-
Any trip to Asia from the U.S. will be on the long side, and there currently are no direct flights from the U.S. to major gateways in Thailand.—
Zach Wichter,
USA TODAY,
17 Feb. 2025
-
This was widely interpreted as a direct response to Trump's tariffs on Canada.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The portrayals of Black couples—through struggle, passion, humor, and success—have shown us that love may not be linear, but is still beautiful, nonetheless.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
14 Feb. 2025
-
But development progress is rarely linear for players at such a young age.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
The Athletic,
13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
These orders, including the most recent one, issued February 5, honor honest scientific inquiry and reverse the trend of activists distorting the scientific picture.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
10 Feb. 2025
-
Open, honest communication with your healthcare team is one of the best ways to prepare for what lies ahead and improve your quality of life.—
Nick Blackmer,
Verywell Health,
10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
If Hollywood waves are the definition of classic hair, then the makeup equivalent is certainly obvious.—
India Espy-Jones,
Essence,
9 Feb. 2025
-
That leaves two remedies, the first and most obvious of which is impeachment, which might punish the president but wouldn’t affect the validity of the pardon.—
Robert A. Levy,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Adverb
-
The Arizona Cardinals just straight up cut him after three seasons in the desert.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN,
8 Feb. 2025
-
Get the Robb Report newsletter for similar stories delivered straight to your inbox.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
As shown by comments from Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Fremont, the potential for a blockbuster bipartisan effort to force change used to be plain.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Feb. 2025
-
Meanwhile, Madewell’s plain, but perfect white tee anchors the entire ensemble.—
Laura Jackson,
Vogue,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
And university leaders fearing government investigations, funding cuts, or punitive endowment taxes crack down on campus protest, remove or demote outspoken professors, and remain silent in the face of growing authoritarianism.—
STEVEN LEVITSKY,
Foreign Affairs,
11 Feb. 2025
-
The Miami Dolphins have reportedly made their decision on wide receiver Tyreek Hill after weeks of speculation that the organization was looking to trade the outspoken star.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The Sixers lose to all sorts of teams, with no apparent traits that should target Philadelphia’s weakness.—
Jared Weiss,
The Athletic,
13 Feb. 2025
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The film’s general rigidity and lack of thrills become more apparent when Levi accidentally falls into the gorge.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
13 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near straightforward
Cite this Entry
“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightforward. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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