publicly

adverb

pub·​lic·​ly ˈpə-bli-klē How to pronounce publicly (audio)
variants or less commonly publically
Synonyms of publiclynext
1
: in a manner observable by or in a place accessible to the public : openly
2
a
: by the people generally
b
: by a government

Examples of publicly in a Sentence

She very publicly acknowledged her mistake. The information is publicly available. The policies have been publicly approved.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Ryan Lucas, NPR, 26 Apr. 2026 An epiphany Through the years since Sherman began speaking publicly about moving the team from Kauffman Stadium to a modern home most preferably in the city, Hall was a frequent advisor — or at least an ear. Kansas City Star, 26 Apr. 2026 The 57-year-old officer was not publicly identified as of Sunday morning, and no charges against the suspect had been announced. Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026 Julián Jiménez Catholic Charities has publicly warned that its representatives are being impersonated to scam immigrants. Albinson Linares, NBC news, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for publicly

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of publicly was in 1534

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Publicly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/publicly. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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