out·right
ˌau̇t-ˈrīt 
1
: in entirety : completely
rejected the proposal outright
outright refuses to cooperate with law enforcement—
Tim Murphy
Tim Murphy2
: on the spot : instantaneously
was killed outright
3
: without lien (see lien sense 1) or encumbrance (see encumbrance sense 2)
purchased the property outright for cash
4
: without restraint or reservation
laughed outright
cried outright
5
archaic
: straight ahead : directly
out·right
ˈau̇t-ˌrīt
1
a
: being completely or exactly what is stated
—used to make a statement more forceful
That is an outright lie!
b
: given without reservation
outright grants for research
c
: made without encumbrance or lien
an outright sale
2
archaic
: proceeding directly onward
outrightly
adverb
Examples of outright in a Sentence
Adverb
She won the competition outright.
The painting is now owned outright by the museum.
Their house was destroyed outright by the fire.
I bought the car outright.
Adjective
I was surprised by their outright rejection of the idea.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jack Dunn, Variety, 13 Dec. 2025
The bill doesn't outright ban all bodyboards, including those made of more durable materials such as high-density polyethylene or polypropylene.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025
Robert Lang, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2025
The place was kept outright chilly on our visits, but the electric heat of the dishes brought an internal warmth.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for outright
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Adverb
While not outright confirmed, many consider Newsom the frontrunner to become the Democratic presidential nominee come 2028.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 13 Dec. 2025
The bill doesn't outright ban all bodyboards, including those made of more durable materials such as high-density polyethylene or polypropylene.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025
Adjective
The film avoids an outright depiction of Marcelo’s murder, which occurs when the men chasing him finally catch up to him.
—Robert Lang, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2025
The place was kept outright chilly on our visits, but the electric heat of the dishes brought an internal warmth.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for outright
Cite this Entry
“Outright.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outright. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
outright
1 of 2 adverb
out·right
(ˈ)au̇t-ˈrīt
1
a
: in entirety : completely
sold outright
b
: without holding back
laughed outright
2
: on the spot : instantaneously
killed outright
outright
2 of 2 adjective
out·right
ˈau̇t-ˌrīt
1
: being exactly what is stated
an outright lie
2
: given without restriction
an outright gift
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