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 racist 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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Each of the three flavors (chocolate, coffee, and vanilla) fared decently in our taste test, eliciting no overtly negative feedback. Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2025 In her practice, Palazzolo focuses heavily on industrial materials as a way of turning things perceived as artless or overtly masculine on their head. Mario Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025 Gone are the overtly yellowy, orangey tones and high-shine finishes. Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2025 Each box contains peppermint, Iowa pine, snowdrop, and gingerbread soaps, and their scents and colors are perfectly seasonal without being overtly holiday. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025 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 4 Nov. 2025.

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