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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of no-nonsense
Frugality and transparency were the order of the day—Still’s bosses were almost all no-nonsense Philadelphia businessmen.
—
Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 10 Jan. 2025
Known for his no-nonsense approach in the courtroom, Merchan has earned respect from attorneys and defendants alike.
—Katherine Fung, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
The large part of the Leafs fan base that loves hard-nosed, no-nonsense hockey is overjoyed with the shift, especially after the old way failed so many times in the postseason.
—James Mirtle, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
On his first day at Long Beach Police Department’s West Side Division, Officer Diaz is paired with a no-nonsense veteran, Officer Harmon, who isn’t exactly a favorite among her fellow officers — specifically, old-school-minded Sergeant Lasman (Eriq LaSalle, who’s also involved behind the scenes).
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for no-nonsense 
Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 10 Jan. 2025
Known for his no-nonsense approach in the courtroom, Merchan has earned respect from attorneys and defendants alike.
—Katherine Fung, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
The large part of the Leafs fan base that loves hard-nosed, no-nonsense hockey is overjoyed with the shift, especially after the old way failed so many times in the postseason.
—James Mirtle, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
On his first day at Long Beach Police Department’s West Side Division, Officer Diaz is paired with a no-nonsense veteran, Officer Harmon, who isn’t exactly a favorite among her fellow officers — specifically, old-school-minded Sergeant Lasman (Eriq LaSalle, who’s also involved behind the scenes).
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for no-nonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-nonsense
Adjective
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In the room: The feeling was solemn and surreal, with many attendees talking about events earlier in the day for Twelfth Night to kick off the Mardi Gras season.—
Carlie Kollath Wells,
Axios,
6 Jan. 2025
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The serious can exist alongside the inane, and the two enhance each other; in this universe, everyone deserves the right to a good bit of fun, and mass entertainment must serve the solemn duty of providing it.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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And with a game against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday, that streak has a serious chance to continue.—
Max Bultman,
The Athletic,
13 Jan. 2025
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With sleep disorders affecting approximately 70 million Americans and poor sleep linked to serious health risks like heart disease, stroke and cognitive decline, the Tone Buds represent a significant advancement in personal sleep technology.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Don’t be surprised if you get pulled over for driving with snow and ice on your roof and are given a stern warning.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
10 Jan. 2025
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Commenting on the matter via Movistar, Madrid legend and respected pundit Jorge Valdano suggested that Vinicius needs to be taken to one side and given some stern advice.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Evidence for the antiquity of the country came in the early 1820s, when America’s first professional geologists found trilobites spilling out of the banks of the new Erie Canal.—
Caroline Winterer / Made by History,
TIME,
14 Jan. 2025
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When co-owner Arran Yentob’s team got in touch with him and offered him the chance to get involved in professional padel, Murray couldn’t resist.—
Vitas Carosella,
Forbes,
14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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But keeping track of the NBA’s ever-evolving broadcast rotation can turn even an earnest fan into Charlie Kelly in the mailroom.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
The Athletic,
6 Jan. 2025
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Case in point: their underrated holiday film Arthur Christmas, a story about Santa Claus’s earnest son trying to deliver one last present before Christmas morning that doubles as a portrait of generational strife.—
Vikram Murthi,
Vulture,
3 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near no-nonsense
Cite this Entry
“No-nonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-nonsense. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
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