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 environmentalism

outspokenly adverb

outspokenness

ˌau̇t-ˈspō-kən-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of outspoken

• 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 fact his reputation around the league points to him being outspoken cooled his value. — Tony Jones, New York Times, 2 July 2026

Known for his colorful jackets and outspoken style, Ives even launched his own clothing line last year. — Yun Li, CNBC, 1 July 2026

Liang has long been one of China’s most outspoken, demographers. — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 7 July 2026

Della Valle has been released, thanks to his wife’s outspoken advocacy. — Mica Rosenberg, ProPublica, 6 July 2026

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