forthright
1 of 3adjective
forth·right ˈfȯrth-ˌrīt 
1
: free from ambiguity or evasiveness : going straight to the point
a forthright critic
was forthright in appraising the problem
2
: notably simple in style or quality
forthright furniture
3
archaic : proceeding straight on
forthrightly adverb
forthrightness noun
forthright
2 of 3adverb
1
archaic
a
: directly forward
b
: without hesitation : frankly
2
archaic : at once
forthright
3 of 3noun
archaic
: a straight path
Synonyms
Adjective
- candid
- direct
- forthcoming
- foursquare
- frank
- free-spoken
- freehearted
- honest
- open
- openhearted
- out-front
- outspoken
- plain
- plainspoken
- straight
- straightforward
- unguarded
- unreserved
- up-front
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective she sometimes was a little too forthright for her own good and ended up saying things that inadvertently offended people I appreciate your forthright explanation of the situation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Anthony Lydgate, WIRED, 6 Sep. 2022 The General’s forthright statement spurred real change in harmony with the defense policies of the Reagan administration. Eric Tegler, Forbes, 27 May 2022 Kavic River Camp has the wholesome, forthright name of some lush getaway with burbling waters and Robert Redford types in waders. Josh Condon, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2022 Whether recording a forthright gaze or focusing on just arms and hands, Wondemu makes pictures that are intense and evocative. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2022 Being candid and forthright in all your interactions leaves a positive impression capable of transcending even the most difficult circumstances. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 3 Aug. 2022 Instead of always waiting to be asked to hang out, Dr. Saltz recommends taking action to extend those invitations yourself — and being forthright and direct in your desire to connect with the other person. Adele Jackson-gibson, Good Housekeeping, 15 July 2022 With his vigorous muscularity and forthright sexiness Caan was a throwback to Hollywood’s ideal of a classic male star. Mark Feeney, BostonGlobe.com, 7 July 2022 Olusanmokun’s wise, forthright and stoic Dr. M’Benga had a small introduction in the series premiere and then was absent in the next episode. Ryan Parker, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 June 2022 See More
Adjective
The authors of The Sovereign Individual are forthright about the violence and disorder that will attend the rise of Bermuda in the Sky With Diamonds. Anthony Lydgate, WIRED, 6 Sep. 2022 The General’s forthright statement spurred real change in harmony with the defense policies of the Reagan administration. Eric Tegler, Forbes, 27 May 2022 Kavic River Camp has the wholesome, forthright name of some lush getaway with burbling waters and Robert Redford types in waders. Josh Condon, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2022 Whether recording a forthright gaze or focusing on just arms and hands, Wondemu makes pictures that are intense and evocative. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2022 Being candid and forthright in all your interactions leaves a positive impression capable of transcending even the most difficult circumstances. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 3 Aug. 2022 Instead of always waiting to be asked to hang out, Dr. Saltz recommends taking action to extend those invitations yourself — and being forthright and direct in your desire to connect with the other person. Adele Jackson-gibson, Good Housekeeping, 15 July 2022 With his vigorous muscularity and forthright sexiness Caan was a throwback to Hollywood’s ideal of a classic male star. Mark Feeney, BostonGlobe.com, 7 July 2022 Olusanmokun’s wise, forthright and stoic Dr. M’Benga had a small introduction in the series premiere and then was absent in the next episode. Ryan Parker, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 June 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Adverb
Middle English, from Old English forthriht, from forth + riht right
First Known Use
Adjective
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3
Adverb
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
1606, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
forthright
adjective
forth·right ˈfȯrth-ˌrīt
: going straight to the point clearly and firmly
a forthright answer
forthright
adjective
1
as in outspoken
free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions she sometimes was a little too forthright for her own good and ended up saying things that inadvertently offended people Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- outspoken
- honest
- candid
- frank
- straightforward
- forthcoming
- plainspoken
- vocal
- direct
- openhearted
- blunt
- open
- unreserved
- up-front
- earnest
- plain
- unguarded
- sincere
- straight
- free-spoken
- guileless
- out-front
- naive
- unaffected
- ingenuous
- unpretentious
- outgoing
- uninhibited
- real
- foursquare
- artless
- vociferous
- brusque
- unpretending
- gruff
- freehearted
- innocent
- rude
- curt
- naïve
- abrupt
- undiplomatic
- unrestrained
- tactless
- unsubtle
- ungracious
- natural
- bluff
- thoughtless
- impertinent
- undesigning
- impolite
- sharp
- unmannerly
- inconsiderate
- crusty
- brusk
- uncivil
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- restrained
- laconic
- unforthcoming
- reticent
- evasive
- uncandid
- quiet
- ambiguous
- tactful
- taciturn
- inhibited
- reserved
- equivocal
- dissembling
- uncommunicative
- diplomatic
- polite
- courteous
- circuitous
- considerate
- close-mouthed
- tight-lipped
- civil
- politic
2
as in straightforward
going straight to the point clearly and firmly I appreciate your forthright explanation of the situation Synonyms & Similar Words
- straightforward
- direct
- honest
- straight
- candid
- frank
- blunt
- plain
- outspoken
- earnest
- sincere
- plainspoken
- openhearted
- true
- truthful
- foursquare
- brusque
- aboveboard
- uninhibited
- unreserved
- artless
- curt
- gruff
- sharp
- unguarded
- open
- undiplomatic
- free-spoken
- abrupt
- tactless
- unrestrained
- bluff
- impolite
- rude
- inconsiderate
- veracious
- brusk
- point-blank
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- indirect
- circuitous
- tactful
- polite
- courteous
- prolix
- verbose
- wordy
- restrained
- civil
- roundabout
- inhibited
- reserved
- deceitful
- untruthful
- erroneous
- mendacious
- evasive
- circumlocutory
- ambiguous
- long-winded
- lying
- misleading
- false
- equivocal
- fallacious
- hypocritical
- two-faced
- double-dealing