NO-NONSENSE Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

no-nonsense

adjective

ˈnō-ˌnän-ˌsen(t)s

Definition of no-nonsense

as in solemn

not joking or playful in mood or manner a no-nonsense gymnastics coach

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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 So does Willow Kean as Ruth, Calvin’s no-nonsense older sister and Snook’s Arm’s harbormaster. — Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for no-nonsense

Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-nonsense

Adjective

The spirituality throughout is imbued with a solemn reverence more Catholic than Baptist.

— Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
This production, solemn about our obligations to one another but committed to providing a good night out at the theater, is neither.

— Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of solemn

Adjective

The Tallahassee Police Department said in a statement that 11 of the 12 were shot and that three victims had serious injuries, with one minor in serious condition.

— Samantha Cookinham, NBC news, 25 Oct. 2026
Bake this classic all the way through for a light and tender crumb, or cut the bake time short for serious gooey goodness in the center.

— Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of serious

Adjective

How people are using agents Several themes are emerging from people testing agents in their personal and professional lives.

— Marty Swant, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
In both Michigan and Ohio, college and professional football have been a subplot of the toss-up Senate races in each state.

— Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of professional

Adjective

Hemsworth’s work has always spanned genres—just look at his omnivorous DJ sets—but Numbskull positions him as a more traditional songwriter, underscored by the album’s personal, earnest tone.

— Mehan Jayasuriya, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026
Her earnest speech, after the curtain came down, made headlines.

— Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of earnest

Browse Nearby Words

nonofficial

no-nonsense

nonoperating

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Style

“No-nonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-nonsense. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of no-nonsense

adjective

Example Sentences

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