up-front

1 of 2

adjective

ˌəp-ˈfrənt How to pronounce up-front (audio)
ˈəp-ˌfrənt
: being or coming in or at the front: such as
a(1)
(2)
: being in a conspicuous or leading position
b
: paid or payable in advance
c
: playing in a front line (as in football)

up front

2 of 2

adverb

1
: in or at the front
2
: in advance
3
: in an up-front manner : frankly, forthrightly

Examples of up-front in a Sentence

Adjective some hurt feelings could have been spared if he'd been more up-front about whom he was inviting to the party
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.
Adjective
Because getting a rooftop solar system is an up-front cost, losing this tax credit will put it out of reach for thousands of homeowners. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 May 2025 For the last two decades, homeowners have been able to claim thousands of dollars in federal tax credits to help offset the high up-front costs of going solar. Tik Root, Wired News, 24 May 2025
Adverb
Appropriating the entire budget of the program up front can help a program make long-term plans without worrying about political disruptions. Nikita Lalwani, Foreign Affairs, 22 May 2025 But the focus should be on Dallas’ defense against Edmonton’s firepower up front. Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for up-front

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1945, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1937, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of up-front was in 1937

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Up-front.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/up-front. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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