forthright
Direct and open
Forthright means direct and honest, without evasion or hesitation.
A forthright person speaks plainly about what they think: She was forthright about her concerns with the proposal.
The word carries a positive connotation—forthrightness is typically admired as a virtue, suggesting courage rather than mere bluntness.
Free from deception
- sincereGenuinely felt, not feigned
- truthfulAccurate and sincere
- candidHonest and direct
- frankOpen and direct
genuine · open · guileless · ingenuous · artless · unfeigned · earnest · heartfelt
Undeviating or to guide
- bluntDull or tactlessly direct
- outspokenFreely expressing opinions
- explicitClearly and directly expressed
- unequivocalAllowing one meaning only
unambiguous · plain · clear · point-blank · assertive · forthcoming · bold · decisive
Abrupt and dismissive
- curtAbruptly rude in speech
- tactlessInsensitive in manner
- abrasiveRough enough to erode
- harshUnpleasantly severe or rough
gruff · undiplomatic · indelicate · unsparing · unsubtle · unceremonious · ungracious · insensitive
Vertical or morally sound
- principledHaving strong moral beliefs
- honorableHaving high moral standards
- ethicalConforming to moral principles
- trustworthyWorthy of confidence
reliable · scrupulous · conscientious · upstanding · high-minded · incorruptible · righteous · moral
honest
Free from deception
frank · genuine · open · guileless · ingenuous · artless · unfeigned · earnest · heartfelt · authentic
direct
Undeviating or to guide
- bluntDull or tactlessly direct
- outspokenFreely expressing opinions
- explicitClearly and directly expressed
unequivocal · unambiguous · plain · clear · point-blank · assertive · forthcoming · bold · decisive · emphatic
brusque
Abrupt and dismissive
harsh · gruff · undiplomatic · indelicate · unsparing · unsubtle · unceremonious · ungracious · insensitive · rough
upright
Vertical or morally sound
- principledHaving strong moral beliefs
- honorableHaving high moral standards
- ethicalConforming to moral principles
trustworthy · reliable · scrupulous · conscientious · upstanding · high-minded · incorruptible · righteous · moral · virtuous
- Blunt honestyblunt, candid, direct, frank, honest
- integrityintegrity, honesty, truthfulness, uprightness, rectitude
- directstraight, blunt, frank, honest, candid
- genuinegenuine, authentic, real, sincere, true
- honesty valueshonesty, sincerity, truthfulness, candor, integrity
- opennessopen, openness, transparent, transparency, accessible
forthrightevasive
Avoiding direct response
indirect · circuitous · roundabout · equivocal · oblique
forthrightdishonest
Inclined to deceive
deceitful · deceptive · dissembling · untruthful · duplicitous