as in solemn
not joking or playful in mood or manner
a no-nonsense gymnastics coach
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Recent Examples of no-nonsense
Directly below them, Levante are one of Spain’s most no-nonsense sides.
—
Thom Harris, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Rosamund Pike stars as his no-nonsense boss in the movie.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Here’s your no-nonsense playbook.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
The memory of that day sparked a smile from actor Jane Kaczmarek, who played no-nonsense mother Lois on the show.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for no-nonsense
Thom Harris, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Rosamund Pike stars as his no-nonsense boss in the movie.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Here’s your no-nonsense playbook.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
The memory of that day sparked a smile from actor Jane Kaczmarek, who played no-nonsense mother Lois on the show.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for no-nonsense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-nonsense
Adjective
-
Protesters carried myriad homemade signs, some tongue-in-cheek, some more solemn.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
2 May 2026
-
Their day began with a solemn visit to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, which involved a meeting with families of victims and first responders.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Half a century later, the nation’s environmental problems are a lot less visible, but not, for that reason, any less serious.—
Elizabeth Kolbert,
New Yorker,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Even in healthy children, measles can cause serious illness and death.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
An Ada County judge let a Boise woman who stole jewelry from hospice patients off without prison time — but not without a stern warning and alternative punishment.—
Sally Krutzig,
Idaho Statesman,
28 Apr. 2026
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When addressing Chasing Horse, Peterson took on a stern tone and admonished the actor and his attorney, Craig Mueller, for denying the charges and downplaying evidence of assault.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Not unlike its founder, Skims has forged high-profile relationships with celebrities and professional athletes.—
Lisa Gutierrez
May 2,
Kansas City Star,
2 May 2026
-
This is about more than professional courtesy, although that could be reason enough for the exercise.—
Amy Lindgren,
Twin Cities,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
This latest saga between these long-time rivals began in earnest on Monday evening in the bottom of the sixth.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
24 Apr. 2026
-
On Monday, environmental contractors will launch abatement measures in earnest inside the massive, 190,000-square-foot structure, just east of Dunkin’ Park.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“No-nonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-nonsense. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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