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
At the same time, solar companies concocted leasing arrangements that helped limit up-front costs. Brendan I. Koerner, WIRED, 13 Jan. 2025 While employers using the H-1B may benefit from filling critical roles and even reducing salary costs, as some claim, participating in the program carries heavy up-front financial and administrative costs that are not practical for many organizations. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025
Adverb
Several clubs were interested in signing him, including another Serie A side, Fiorentina, but sources close to the deal say Como’s willingness to pay money up front was crucial. Guillermo Rai, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 From Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith up front, Zach Baun at the linebacker spot and CJ Gardner-Johnson, Darius Slay, Reed Blankenship, Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell in the back field, Philadelphia has plenty of game-changing playmakers on defense. Ben Morse, CNN, 24 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near up-front

Cite this Entry

“Up-front.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/up-front. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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