straight man

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.

Some scenes introduce that character as the straight man.

From Salon • Oct. 13, 2025

Mir, a high-strung anxious perfectionist, was written as more of the audience stand-in, the straight man.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2025

It’s a lot more development than I think many people would have expected for this character who, in the sitcom, functions as the straight man.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2024

But he has grown into his role at “Saturday Night Live,” proving to be an especially strong straight man adept at the comedy of embarrassment.

From New York Times • Apr. 28, 2024

Mr. Jefferson is considered a straight man, and I may mention that he meets with Jacinta's approval.

From For Jacinta by Bindloss, Harold