overt

adjective

ō-ˈvərt  ˈō-(ˌ)vərt 

: open to view : manifest

overt hostility

overt symptoms of the disease

overt discrimination

both overt and covert military action

overtness noun

Examples of overt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For the film’s third key character, Latif’s daughter Fatiha (Adia), Govan had to represent yet another approach to faith, with less latitude for overt stylization than in Latif or Pastor Hwan. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 20 Oct. 2026

Mulder's dingy little base of operations has been stunningly recreated here, with both overt references and subtle nods that X-Files fans will appreciate. — Ian Stokes, Space.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Most networks and major news organizations have social media policies that frown on overt partisanship. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026

The Developmental Psychology findings suggest that higher-quality friendships are associated with less overt victimization and greater comfort-seeking over time. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from past participle of ovrir to open, from Vulgar Latin *operire, alteration of Latin aperire

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overt

• alert
• assert
• avert
• dessert
• divert
• evert
• exert
• inert
• insert
• invert
• nightshirt
• revert

Kids Definition

overt

adjective

ō-ˈvərt  ˈō-(ˌ)vərt 

: open to view : not secret

overt hostility

overtly adverb

overtness noun

Medical Definition

overt

adjective

ō-ˈvərt, ˈō-ˌvərt also ˈō-vərt

: open to view : readily perceived

overt behavior

overtly adverb