straight man
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It’s the closest O’Hara gets to playing the straight man, if a straight man was a mother on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026
Mir, a high-strung anxious perfectionist, was written as more of the audience stand-in, the straight man.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2025
But he has grown into his role at “Saturday Night Live,” proving to be an especially strong straight man adept at the comedy of embarrassment.
From New York Times • Apr. 28, 2024
Jadeja is a nice contrast - steady, quick, chipping away, the straight man to Ashwin's varied expressions.
From BBC • Feb. 19, 2024
In spite of the box office success of their Broadway debut, Dick cannot help feeling disappointed that, as always, he is cast as the straight man.
From 100 New Yorkers of the 1970s by Millard, Max
