speak-out

1 of 2

noun

: an event in which people publicly share their experiences of or views on an issue

speak out

2 of 2

verb

spoke out; spoken out; speaking out; speaks out

intransitive verb

1
: to speak loud enough to be heard
2
: to speak boldly : express an opinion frankly
spoke out on the issues

Examples of speak-out in a Sentence

Verb it's a free country, so anyone can speak out
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
In spring 2018, over 100 French bishops signed a statement speaking out against the act, according to The Pilot, the Archdiocese of Boston’s official newspaper. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2024 Celine Dion is speaking out on International Stiff Person Syndrome Awareness Day. Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 16 Mar. 2024 The first protester came down the aisle and identified themselves as a theater artist who was speaking out against speaking about the lack of response to climate change. Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Mar. 2024 Onir, one of a handful of out and proud Indian filmmakers, is speaking out about the current scenario for LGBTQ filmmakers in the country. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Mar. 2024 University of Kentucky’s president took a rare step and spoke out against the bills that curb DEI inclusion efforts on campus. Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 15 Mar. 2024 Jon Bon Jovi is speaking out on the status of his relationship with longtime friend and former bandmate Richie Sambora. Rachel Desantis, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 John Barnett spoke out about safety concerns with the company's aircraft production. Maritza Dominguez, The Arizona Republic, 12 Mar. 2024 Drake Bell, Jennette McCurdy, Alexa Nikolas and more former child stars have been outspoken about their time on popular kids shows Nickelodeon child stars from Drake Bell to Jennette McCurdy have spoken out about their negative experiences with the network. Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'speak-out.' 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

Noun

1968, in the meaning defined above

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of speak-out was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near speak-out

speak one's mind

speak-out

speak out

Cite this Entry

“Speak-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speak-out. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

speak out

verb
1
: to speak loudly and clearly
2
: to speak freely and confidently
was never afraid to speak out on the issues
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