no-nonsense

adjective

no-non·​sense ˈnō-ˌnän-ˌsen(t)s How to pronounce no-nonsense (audio)
-ˈnän(t)-sən(t)s
Synonyms of no-nonsensenext
: tolerating no nonsense : serious, businesslike
a no-nonsense manager

Synonyms of no-nonsense

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Examples of no-nonsense in a Sentence

a no-nonsense gymnastics coach
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There are paintings of boats and horses, and a long, no-nonsense bar top with a captain behind it constantly cracking blisteringly cold martini shakers over martini glasses. — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026 On the microphone, his promos conveyed a no-nonsense intensity that equally gripped viewers. — Rudy Chinchilla, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2026 According to AZFamily, a couple of electronic billboards have popped up in the Phoenix area with a very straightforward, no-nonsense message to owner and team president Michael Bidwill. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026 But Ditka's hard-nosed, no-nonsense demeanor only further endeared him to Chicago fans. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for no-nonsense

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of no-nonsense was in 1853

Rhymes for no-nonsense

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Browse Nearby Words

non omnis moriar
no-nonsense
nonop
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“No-nonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/no-nonsense. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

no-nonsense

adjective
: putting up with or including no nonsense : serious
a no-nonsense manager
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