Definitions

matter-of-fact

ADJECTIVE

realistic, unembellished

Synonyms

STRONGEST

deadpan down-to-earth factual pragmatic sober stoic unvarnished

WEAK

apathetic calm cold cold-blooded dry dull earthy emotionless feasible flat hard-boiled impassive impersonal lifeless mundane naked objective phlegmatic plain practical prosaic prosy serious stolid unaffected unidealistic unimaginative unimpassioned unsentimental

Antonyms

STRONGEST

excited unreasonable

WEAK

emotional histrionic imaginative lively

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.

Experts have also cautioned users about taking chatbots' often matter-of-fact statements at face value, particularly when it comes to health and medical advice.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

“All the President’s Men” underscores that sentiment with its matter-of-fact final shot, watching a teletype machine writing out years of front-page headlines leading to Nixon’s resignation.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2026

The tone was matter-of-fact, direct, resolute, but moments of fear crept in.

From Slate • Feb. 11, 2026

She was so matter-of-fact about it that she turned a conversation that once brought me such humiliation into something pleasant, with me thanking her profusely.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

“I’m a pilot,” Maddie said—you know, she was so matter-of-fact, she wasn’t proud, she wasn’t defensive—just, I’m a pilot.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein

Vocabulary lists containing matter-of-fact

"Birches" by Robert Frost

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Unit 2, Words to Know

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Neutral Tones

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!