no-nonsense

adjective

no-non·​sense ˈnō-ˌnän-ˌsen(t)s How to pronounce no-nonsense (audio)
-ˈnän(t)-sən(t)s
Synonyms of no-nonsensenext
: tolerating no nonsense : serious, businesslike
a no-nonsense manager

Synonyms of no-nonsense

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Examples of no-nonsense in a Sentence

a no-nonsense gymnastics coach
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of no-nonsense was in 1853

Rhymes for no-nonsense

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Browse Nearby Words

non omnis moriar
no-nonsense
nonop
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Cite this Entry

“No-nonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/no-nonsense. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

no-nonsense

adjective
: putting up with or including no nonsense : serious
a no-nonsense manager
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