overtly

adverb

overt·​ly ō-ˈvərt-lē How to pronounce overtly (audio)
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
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Last year, CargoWise and E2Open parent WiseTech Global announced a nearly 30 percent culling of its staff through 2027, overtly tying the job cuts to its deployments of AI technologies. Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 11 June 2026 Either an outright goalscorer or some other form of overtly attacking player. Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 11 June 2026 The intricate ruffled linen edge on Greenrow’s Cotton Percale Linen Ruffle sheet has a romantic look, however, the frill doesn’t overtly overpower the rest of Condé Nast Traveler commerce director and contributor Madison Flager’s bedscape. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 10 June 2026 Since the pandemic, Spain’s economic agenda has embraced the kinds of overtly progressive policies that left-of-center parties around the world have tried to distance themselves from. Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for overtly

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overtly was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Overtly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overtly. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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