straightforward

1 of 2

adjective

straight·​for·​ward ˌstrāt-ˈfȯr-wərd How to pronounce straightforward (audio)
ˈstrāt-ˌfȯr-
Synonyms of straightforward
1
a
: free from evasiveness or obscurity : exact, candid
a straightforward account
b(1)
: clear-cut, precise
straightforward instructions
(2)
: easy to do
Using the computer program is pretty straightforward.
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 How to pronounce straightforward (audio)
: in a straightforward manner

Synonyms of straightforward

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Adverb

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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
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Adjective
But the relationship between the manual and the courtroom is rarely so straightforward, experts argue. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026 But the film is most compelling throughout as a straightforward domestic drama, with increasingly fraught family dynamics lending proceedings a baseline of credibility even as whatever’s happening outside the house remains largely inscrutable. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026 The logic behind staying private for so long is straightforward. — Steven Dudash, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Some of those explanations may be straightforward—at least compared with extraterrestrials. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for straightforward

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adverb

1779, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of straightforward was in 1779

Rhymes for straightforward

See All Rhymes for straightforward

Browse Nearby Words

straightforth
straightforward
straight-from-the-shoulder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Straightforward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straightforward. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

straightforward

1 of 2 adjective
straight·​for·​ward (ˈ)strāt-ˈfȯr-wərd How to pronounce straightforward (audio)
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 How to pronounce straightforward (audio)
: in a straightforward manner

More from Merriam-Webster on straightforward

Nglish: Translation of straightforward for Spanish Speakers

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