upfront

British  

/ ˈʌpˈfrʌnt /

adjective

1. informal open, frank, honest

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adverb

1. (of money) paid out at the beginning of a business arrangement

Explanation

If you're an open and straightforward person, you're upfront. And if your cousin asks what you think of his weird new haircut, you'll be upfront with him and tell the truth. If you prefer being flattered, you might not appreciate your brother's upfront pronouncement that your new pants are way too small or you've got spinach in your teeth. But most of us like knowing that our friends are being upfront and honest with us. Another way to use this adjective is to mean "in advance" when you're talking about a payment: "She wants the cash upfront, before she hands over the cupcakes."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

upfront

Publishing salary details upfront could "expose unjustified differences in pay, give workers greater confidence to challenge discrimination and prevent disagreements over pay escalating into disputes".

From BBC ● Nov. 5, 2026

It added: "That would be illegal under EU law, which requires the full price to be shown upfront."

From Barron's ● Nov. 1, 2026

But consumers should be aware that many of these cards charge an upfront fee of 3% to 5% of the total amount transferred.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 29, 2026

Under the rule, PBMs must disclose expected compensation arrangements upfront, provide updates every six months, and allow employers to audit them.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 28, 2026

They were driving those old black tin lizzie type cars, the Model A types, with two men in the open section upfront and two in the cab section behind.

From "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride

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Related Words

• authentic
• conscientious
• decent
• equitable
• fair
• forthright
• genuine
• honorable
• impartial
• proper
• reliable
• sincere
• straightforward
• true
• trustworthy
• virtuous

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