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

Kill scenes ripped from the overtly pervy inaugural outing come back to life. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 11 Dec. 2025

In other words, these movies are all political thrillers—some of them literally so, with stories that overtly involve governmental actions. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 5 Dec. 2025

Trump has replaced those norms with a new, overtly transactional approach. —Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025

Instant espresso granules subtly enhance the chocolate flavor without being overtly coffee-like. —Amanda Holstein, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overtly

• covertly
• curtly