forthright

1 of 3

adjective

forth·​right ˈfȯrth-ˌrīt How to pronounce forthright (audio)
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 3

adverb

1
archaic
a
: directly forward
b
: without hesitation : frankly
2
archaic : at once

forthright

3 of 3

noun

archaic
: a straight path

Examples of forthright in a Sentence

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
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Adjective
Throughout modern American history, reporters who cover the Pentagon have played an invaluable role shining a light on military actions when the government has not been forthright with the public. Amy Kristin Sanders, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2025 Takaichi was the most forthright among the five candidates in the leadership race over the possibility of renegotiating parts of Japan’s trade deal with the US. Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025 And when that happens, it’s naturally done in a direct, forthright and to-the-point way. Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025 On Thursday, Merz adopted a more forthright tone. Sebastian Shukla, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forthright

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of forthright was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forthright.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forthright. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

forthright

adjective
forth·​right
ˈfōrth-ˌrīt,
ˈfȯrth-
: going straight to the point clearly and firmly
a forthright answer
forthrightly adverb
forthrightness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on forthright

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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