Straightforward

//ˌstɹeɪtˈfɔː(ɹ)wə(ɹ)d// adj, adv

adj, adv ·Common ·High school level

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Proceeding in a straight course or manner; not deviating.
  2. 2
    Easy, simple, uncomplicated, without difficulty.

    "For the most part they are of straightforward design and the largest group is the ex-Prussian "T16" Class 0-10-0 of Type "94", [...]."

  3. 3
    Direct; forthright; frank; sincere. figuratively

    "A great deal of the uneasiness about Clinton reflects his propensity to dance away from straightforward yes or no answers to any character question."

Adjective
  1. 1
    pointed directly ahead wordnet
  2. 2
    without evasion or compromise wordnet
  3. 3
    free from ambiguity wordnet
  4. 4
    without concealment or deception; honest wordnet
Adverb
  1. 1
    In a straightforward manner; straightforwards; straightforwardly.

Synonyms

All synonyms
aboveboarddirectunequivocalmundaneabove boardabove-board

Example

More examples

"We have to be ready not only for a straightforward test of strength, but also for a struggle in which every strategy comes into play."

Etymology

From straight + forward.

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.