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 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

Katie Holmes’s off-duty wardrobe does have an obvious, masculine spirit–albeit with the odd overtly girlish touch. —Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2024

Does Jack overtly know that his fame will come at the cost of sacrificing Madeleine or is that a trick that’s played on him? —Jenelle Riley, Variety, 19 Apr. 2024

The regime’s move to retaliate overtly, and with an immense show of force, has signaled that decision-makers are no longer convinced by the logic of restraint. —Afshon Ostovar, Foreign Affairs, 19 Apr. 2024

Yet another rapper who’s apparently taken sides in the ongoing war is Travis Scott, who appears on Future and Metro’s project, though not overtly dissing Drake in any of his lyrics. —Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2024

Because gaslighting can often be subtle and not an overtly violent act, it is often overlooked in the workplace, and an employee may be afraid to speak up for fear of retaliation. —Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 16 Apr. 2024

Step Two Make the bed with mixed and matched sheets at various price points, and avoid overtly matchy-matchy sets. —Christine Lennon, Sunset Magazine, 15 Apr. 2024

Paying homage to a vintage watch was something Rolex never did overtly—if ever—before. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 12 Apr. 2024

Many contemporary thrillers are far more overtly gruesome than this one, partly because violence is one way unimaginative directors can put a distinctive spin on otherwise interchangeable material: Cue the artful fountains of arterial spray. —Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above