outspoken

adjective

out·​spo·​ken ˌau̇t-ˈspō-kən 

1

: direct and open in speech or expression : frank

outspoken in his criticism

—Current Biography

2

: spoken or expressed without reserve

his outspoken advocacy of gun control

outspokenly adverb

outspokenness

ˌau̇t-ˈspō-kən-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• candid
• direct
• forthcoming
• forthright
• foursquare
• frank
• free-spoken
• freehearted
• honest
• open
• openhearted
• out-front
• plain
• plainspoken
• straight
• straightforward
• unguarded
• unreserved
• up-front

Examples of outspoken in a Sentence

She has been an outspoken advocate of women's rights throughout her life.

an outspoken and controversial radio host

She's very outspoken about political issues.

Recent Examples on the Web

The outspoken quarterback will do it with a Netflix greenlight in his pocket. —Peter White, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2024

Within the city of Dearborn, which is 55% Arab American, U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Lansing, a supporter of Israel, crushed Hill Harper, an outspoken critic of Israel endorsed by several Arab American groups, 61% to 38% in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senator. —Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 9 Sep. 2024

Harris has been an outspoken supporter of public education and has been courting educators’ support. —Cory Turner, NPR, 8 Sep. 2024

Aesha Scott is the lively, outspoken chief stew on Bravo's popular reality series Below Deck Mediterranean. —Lea Lane, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1808, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

outspoken

adjective

out·​spo·​ken au̇t-ˈspō-kən 

: direct and open in speech or expression : frank

outspokenness

-kən-nəs 

noun