no-nonsense

adjective

ˈnō-ˌnän-ˌsen(t)s How to pronounce no-nonsense (audio)
Definition of no-nonsensenext
as in solemn
not joking or playful in mood or manner a no-nonsense gymnastics coach

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of no-nonsense This unvarnished, no-nonsense authenticity helps explain Aguirre’s relatability with players and his ability to convey his instructions. — Colin Millar, New York Times, 4 July 2026 Series 7 remains one of the best lineups of players in Taskmaster history, and Kerry Godliman beat all of them with a relentless, surprisingly endearing no-nonsense attitude. — Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 12 June 2026 The 26-year-old actress addressed the general confusion surrounding her character’s age on the Yellowstone spinoff and confirmed that her no-nonsense cowgirl is, in fact, older than her high school boyfriend Carter (Finn Little). — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 23 June 2026 Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who’s winning plaudits for his no-nonsense commentary on Fox Sports during this World Cup, played for clubs like Barcelona, AC Milan, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain. — Sean Gregory, Time, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for no-nonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-nonsense
  1. solemn
  2. serious
  3. stern
  4. professional
  5. earnest
Adjective
  • In both the novel and its film adaptation, the scriptorium is portrayed as a solemn place where writing is a mechanical, joyless labor.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
  • But the challenge has remained over the decades for popes that the threat of schism, or a rupture within the church, might lurk behind a preference for a more solemn liturgy.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Definition of solemn
Adjective
  • Top Gear's Jack Rix has actually had a gander at the Torcal, and described it as having a large grille with illuminating 3D diamonds for serious bling.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 8 July 2026
  • Many countries, already facing political storms and serious fiscal problems, will struggle to meaningfully cut their welfare systems or change their spending models, said Andrew Kenningham, chief Europe economist at Capital Economics.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
Definition of serious
Adjective
  • England, which has been patchy so far, poses the sternest test yet for the co-hosts.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 July 2026
  • With upcoming opponents Croatia providing a sterner test in possession, Portugal’s defensive display will be under greater scrutiny.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of stern
Adjective
  • The two-story space features professional recording studios, podcast and video suites, co-working lounges and meeting spaces, which are slated to open by early next year once permits are approved, Ihm says.
    — Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • But in the process, the department demoted theology, a field that some had targeted for enjoying professional status when nursing did not.
    — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of professional
Adjective
  • What Kenzie describes — the discovery that belonging generates effort, that trust compounds, that earnest investment in an institution can be returned — is precisely what defensive foreclosure costs.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 July 2026
  • The earnest post follows a flurry of recent activity on Biden's social media.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Definition of earnest

Browse Nearby Words

nonofficial
no-nonsense
nonoperating
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“No-nonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-nonsense. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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