straightforward
Americanadjective
-
going or directed straight ahead.
a straightforward gaze.
-
not roundabout or evasive; direct.
straightforward criticism;
a straightforward approach to a problem.
-
free from ambiguity; clear.
straightforward instructions.
-
free from crookedness or deceit; honest.
straightforward in one's dealings.
- Antonyms:
- devious
adverb
adjective
-
(of a person) honest, frank, or simple
-
(of a task, etc) simple; easy
adverb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of straightforward
Explanation
Straightforward means direct in your approach. When you have a favor to ask of a friend, don't beat around the bush––say what you need in a straightforward way. If you want to propose marriage, you might go for the straightforward approach, saying, "Want to get married?" over dinner. Straightforward can also mean honest. If you have straightforward intentions, it means you're upfront about what you're trying to do.
Vocabulary lists containing straightforward
Nothing But the Truth
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And Then There Were None
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The Perks of Being a Wallflower
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A top-billed Curry takes the Sebastian Cabot role in this quite good straightforward reboot of the 1966 sitcom, produced by Sid and Marty Krofft, of all people.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026
That’s the straightforward conclusion from London-based research boutique Longview Economics, who in a note published Wednesday lay out the cyclical, fundamental and technical rationale for their bullish call.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 26, 2026
It’s also a straightforward decision for the college teams eager to bring those players back into the fold.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 2026
Coroners examine deaths that are not straightforward, like unexpected or violent deaths, or those that take place in state custody.
From BBC ● Aug. 24, 2026
If he’d known how this straightforward Recon assignment was going to turn out, he would probably have retired then and there.
From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
