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.
Her candid, straightforward approach has routinely won over judges and juries.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 2026
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
Identifying the safest place to extract it was not straightforward, particularly as anatomy tends to differ between individuals.
From BBC ● Aug. 26, 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
“Friends would. Just like you noticed my expression at the table this morning. But now that we’ve been straightforward, things are out in the open and there’s no awkwardness. Isn’t that a relief?”
From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
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.
