outright

adverb

out·right | \ ˌau̇t-ˈrīt

Definition of outright

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 archaic : straight ahead : directly

2 : in entirety : completely rejected the proposal outright outright refuses to cooperate with law enforcement —Tim Murphy

3 : without restraint or reservation laughed outright cried outright

4 : on the spot : instantaneously was killed outright

5 : without lien (see lien sense 1) or encumbrance (see encumbrance sense 2) purchased the property outright for cash

outright

adjective

out·right | \ ˈau̇t-ˌrīt

Definition of outright (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : being completely or exactly what is stated 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

Other Words from outright Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about outright

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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: Adverb

The town was originally going to purchase the property outright, but Preli stepped in and agreed to keep farming the land. — Peter Marteka, Courant Community, "Town Purchases Development Rights Of South Glastonbury's Rose's Berry Farm," 6 June 2018 In previous centuries, warriors on the South Pacific island used these blades in close-quarters combat to kill outright, finish off foes wounded by arrows or spears, or disable and capture enemies. — Michael Price, Science | AAAS, "These daggers made from human bone were a deadly asset on the battlefield," 24 Apr. 2018 That 3-2 victory over Japan was the first time a team has overcome a two-goal deficit to win outright since West Germany beat England in 1970, and the first to do it in regulation since Portugal came from three down to beat North Korea in 1966. — Pan Pylas, chicagotribune.com, "Brazil and Belgium, two high-scoring attacks set for battle in the World Cup," 5 July 2018 Before Measure K, approved by voters in 2016, a candidate could win outright in the primary by gaining a majority of the votes. — Michael Smolens, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Like the 'top-two' primary? How about a 'top-four'?," 13 June 2018 Schenirer needs to maintain a majority of votes to win outright. — Diana Lambert And Darrell Smith, sacbee, "Sacramento County has 200,000-plus votes to count, giving some candidates sliver of hope," 6 June 2018 If no one wins outright, the top two candidates will meet in a June 17 run-off. — Jim Wyss, miamiherald, "'God save us from becoming Venezuela.' Colombians to vote in bitter presidential race | Miami Herald," 25 May 2018 Deal did not dismiss the provisions of the bill outright. — Sean Gallagher, Ars Technica, "Georgia governor vetoes cyber bill that would criminalize “unauthorized access”," 9 May 2018 Candidates now need 30 percent of the vote — not 40 percent — to win outright. — Jim Morrill, charlotteobserver, "Don't write off Tuesday's primary. It will determine winners for these NC races. | Charlotte Observer," 4 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Through these strategies, the Klan probably drew in supporters who might have opposed outright discrimination against Catholics. — Longreads, "Oregon’s Racist Past," 12 July 2018 Kennedy occasionally voted to uphold some restrictions in the years that followed Casey, but his presence effectively blocked any outright attempt to overturn Roe. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, "How the Supreme Court Kills Roe v. Wade," 11 July 2018 Anything than can maneuver can dazzle an enemy sat with a laser, disable it with grappling arms or a destroy it in an outright collision. — Joe Pappalardo, Popular Mechanics, "5 Space Forces From Sci-Fi and What We Can Learn From Them," 6 July 2018 The tactics include forcing American companies to hand over technology in exchange for access to the Chinese market, as well as outright cyber-theft. — NBC News, "China says it must 'counterattack' after U.S. tariff hike officially takes effect," 6 July 2018 For women who are able to reintroduce their own tissue into their bodies after chemotherapy, this is not an issue—but for anyone reliant on donor tissue, problems ranging from follicle-ovary incompatibility to outright graft rejection may occur. — Katherine J. Wu, Smithsonian, "How Artificial Ovaries Could Expand Fertility Options For Chemo Patients," 5 July 2018 However, the Ramblers are 8-0 ATS in their last eight games as underdogs, winning seven of them outright, including a 65-59 upset of the Florida Gators, who closed as 16.5-point home favorites back on December 6. — Oddsshark, SI.com, "Final Four Odds: Cinderella Loyola-Chicago Clear Underdog vs. Michigan," 27 Mar. 2018 David Beckham entered the room not to outright booing Thursday evening, as some had predicted, but to a sort of collective grunting murmur and frowns. — Greg Cote, miamiherald, "David Beckham confronts his biggest fight yet to (finally) bring MLS soccer to Miami," 12 July 2018 The Rangers now have 10 days to trade, release or outright Jackson to the minors. — Jeff Wilson, star-telegram, "Unable to find trade, Rangers part ways with Denton native Jackson," 11 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'outright.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.