forthright

[fawrth-rahyt, fohrth-, fawrth-rahyt, fohrth-, fawrth-rahyt, fohrth-] / ˈfɔrθˌraɪt, ˈfoʊrθ-, ˌfɔrθˈraɪt, ˌfoʊrθ-, ˈfɔrθˌraɪt, ˈfoʊrθ- /

ADJECTIVE

straightforward, honest

Synonyms

STRONGEST

blunt candid categorical outspoken plainspoken sincere

WEAK

aboveboard bald call a spade a spade direct directly forward frank from the hip like it is no lie open plain real simple straight undisguised up front

Antonyms

STRONGEST

tactful tricky

WEAK

devious dishonest secret untruthful

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.

But she did blame the Defense Department for not being more forthright about when and how the fighting would end.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

She’s forthright with her interest in depravity, and as such, her films make no effort to conceal their degeneracies or shock the viewer.

From Salon • Feb. 23, 2026

With its moribund state-managed economy still struggling under crippling sanctions, Kim is not expected to be so forthright this time around.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

He added: "Blunt and forthright on air, but knowledgeable, fair and balanced whether talking to Cabinet Ministers or George from Hampstead. Modern day broadcasters take note."

From BBC • Dec. 1, 2025

I thought her forthright enough to do so.

From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine

Vocabulary lists containing forthright

The Things They Carried

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This Week In Words: Current Events Vocab for October 3–9, 2020

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This Week in Words: August 6 - 10, 2018

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