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
Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
These ETFs allow investors access to the crypto asset class without actually owning crypto outright, helping reduce the chances of actual crypto getting lost.
—Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 6 Dec. 2025
Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
Since the film's release, fan have reacted to the inclusion of Elphaba's cozy outerwear with everything from outright obsession to exaggerated bewilderment.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for outright
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show current usage.
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Adverb
The road has been especially tough, as the Steelers have lost their last five games outright as a road underdog and are 0-4-1 against the spread in those same games.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
These ETFs allow investors access to the crypto asset class without actually owning crypto outright, helping reduce the chances of actual crypto getting lost.
—Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 6 Dec. 2025
Adjective
On Saturday, the Blue Jays announced that Rodríguez had cleared outright assignment waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Buffalo.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
Since the film's release, fan have reacted to the inclusion of Elphaba's cozy outerwear with everything from outright obsession to exaggerated bewilderment.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 4 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 9 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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