overtly

adverb

overt·​ly ō-ˈvərt-lē 

ˈō-(ˌ)vərt-

: in an overt manner : in a way that is open, straightforward, or obvious

an overtly hostile remark

an overtly political message

… the fashion of dumbing down the public discourse was over. Being overtly brainy, simply being oneself, was back in style.

—Elizabeth Drew

In the late 1860's interest gradually waned in landscape paintings that overtly conveyed nationalistic, philosophical, and religious meanings.

—Franklin Kelly

It is now easier for French writers to write more overtly about the occupation because their country is now stressing reconciliation, forgiveness for whatever wrongs were done then …

—Barbara Probst Solomon

Examples of overtly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Women’s lack of body literacy and what we are taught from a young age about enduring pain, both directly and overtly, is widespread and deeply entrenched. — Fiorella Valdesolo, Vogue, 30 July 2026

The scandal prompted voters to approve a constitutional amendment to ditch the overtly partisan direct election method in favor of a nominating commission system similar to the one first adopted by Missouri in 1940. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026

Some slogans and posters have taken on an overtly profane and risqué tone. — ABC News, 25 July 2026

On a winding two-lane road, the turbo Seltos feels composed rather than overtly sporty. — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overtly

• covertly
• curtly