outright

1 of 2

adverb

out·​right ˌau̇t-ˈrīt How to pronounce outright (audio)
1
: in entirety : completely
rejected the proposal outright
outright refuses to cooperate with law enforcementTim Murphy
2
: on the spot : instantaneously
was killed outright
3
: without lien (see lien sense 1) or encumbrance (see encumbrance sense 2)
purchased the property outright for cash
4
: without restraint or reservation
laughed outright
cried outright
5
archaic : straight ahead : directly

outright

2 of 2

adjective

out·​right ˈau̇t-ˌrīt How to pronounce outright (audio)
1
a
: being completely or exactly what is stated
an outright lie
b
: given without reservation
outright grants for research
c
: made without encumbrance or lien
an outright sale
2
archaic : proceeding directly onward
outrightly adverb

Examples of outright in a Sentence

Adverb She won the competition outright. The painting is now owned outright by the museum. Their house was destroyed outright by the fire. I bought the car outright. Adjective I was surprised by their outright rejection of the idea.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adverb
Foster will claim the seat outright next month because the city’s automatic runoff rule, approved by city voters in 2016, doesn’t apply to special elections. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2024 Newsom said his words were being misconstrued, and resisted calls to appoint Lee outright. Erika D. Smith, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2024 Johnston has called for other mayors to help Denver by accepting migrants, but many have outright refused or just ignored his calls. Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2024 The Cougars, who lead Iowa State by one game in the Big 12 standings, could clinch the title outright with a victory over KU or an ISU loss at K-State. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2024 In city races, if a candidate gets over 50.01% in the primary, that person wins outright, avoiding a November runoff. Theresa Clift, Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2024 The department generally curbs CAFO manure application during winter and prohibits the practice outright in February and March unless operators obtain an exemption. Bennet Goldstein, Journal Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2024 Abbott’s candidates won outright in House districts 18, 55, 60 and 121. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Mar. 2024 That has been outright impossible for most people, and recent fixes made things worse, introducing a new loading bug that cut off previously unaffected players. Paul Tassi, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
Adjective
The charges – some of which were dismissed either outright or after Myers paid a fine – often appear related to his journalism work. Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 12 Mar. 2024 The designer’s red carpet looks can be challenging, somehow always resisting the need to be simply charming or outright glamorous. Rachel Tashjian, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2024 And all three are deeply skeptical of Donald Trump, or outright opposed to him. USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2024 As a veteran with at least five years of service time, Davis would have the option to become a free agent rather than accept an outright assignment to the minor leagues. Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2024 Pet store owners not in favor Owners of retail pet stores in Indiana lobbied both city and state for regulation rather than an outright ban. Rory Appleton, The Indianapolis Star, 7 Mar. 2024 Instead of outright closing a school, Licata said the district could combine two or more schools, like two underenrolled elementary schools to create an at-capacity elementary school, or combining an elementary and middle school to create a K-8 center. Ana Claudia Chacin, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2024 The Shawnee City Council for months has debated whether to tighten restrictions on short-term rentals — or even outright ban them in residential areas — due to mounting complaints about noise, parking, alcohol and trash at Airbnb and Vrbo locations. Sarah Ritter, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2024 Publisher responses span from full embrace to outright rejection over authenticity concerns. Anat (anne Moss) El Hashahar, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'outright.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Adjective

1532, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of outright was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near outright

Cite this Entry

“Outright.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outright. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

outright

1 of 2 adverb
out·​right (ˈ)au̇t-ˈrīt How to pronounce outright (audio)
1
a
: in entirety : completely
sold outright
b
: without holding back
laughed outright
2
: on the spot : instantaneously
killed outright

outright

2 of 2 adjective
out·​right ˈau̇t-ˌrīt How to pronounce outright (audio)
1
: being exactly what is stated
an outright lie
2
: given without restriction
an outright gift

More from Merriam-Webster on outright

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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