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

• honest
• candid
• frank
• vocal
• forthcoming
• forthright

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 Baldwins have been a public lightning rod with their outspoken political views and social-media controversies. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

In the September 1967 school board election, voters replaced two incumbent members with candidates who were outspoken opponents of the Oregon Plan. —Time, 4 Sep. 2025

Those were the most outspoken Republicans. —Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025

Through her interviews the filmmaker learns her mom was once outspoken, friendly and confident, a resilient survivor, who faced endless hardships. —Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1808, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outspoken

• awoken
• betoken
• heartbroken
• unbroken
• unspoken
• broken
• oaken
• spoken
• token
• woken

Kids Definition

outspoken

adjective

out·​spo·​ken au̇t-ˈspō-kən 

: direct and open in speech or expression : frank

outspokenness

-kən-nəs 

noun