outright

1 of 2

adverb

out·​right ˌau̇t-ˈrīt 

1

: in entirety : completely

rejected the proposal outright

outright refuses to cooperate with law enforcement

—Tim Murphy

2

: 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

outright

2 of 2

adjective

out·​right ˈau̇t-ˌrīt 

1

a

: 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

outrightly adverb

Synonyms

Adjective

• utter
• unconditional
• sheer
• absolute
• complete
• pure
• total
• simple
• definite

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

Up next, North Crowley will face school district rival Crowley in its final regular season contest with a chance to win the District 3-6A championship outright. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2025

Wyden’s aide rejected outright the concept that the Finance Committee lacks proper jurisdiction. —Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 30 Oct. 2025

Adjective

While many countries have pushed to limit or outright prohibit anonymous sperm donations, Klitzman noted the US does not have similar laws. —Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025

But there are no outright clinkers in the bunch, either. —Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Adjective

1532, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for outright

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids 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