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
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
Jr Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Purchasing a house allows owners to build wealth over time by making mortgage payments to reduce the loan principal and increase the owner’s stake in the home until, ideally, it’s owned outright.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Reuters 3 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
The notices range from glowing and effusive raves to somewhat disappointed takes (and one that’s outright scathing).
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for outright
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Adverb
Gein was friendly with a woman named Adeline Watkins for a short time, but her role in the TV show is greatly exaggerated and mostly outright fictionalized.
—Jr Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Purchasing a house allows owners to build wealth over time by making mortgage payments to reduce the loan principal and increase the owner’s stake in the home until, ideally, it’s owned outright.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
An ebullient Babis told supporters that ANO would seek a one-party cabinet but would talk with two small parties – including the far-right SPD – for support as his party will lack an outright majority.
—Reuters 3 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
The notices range from glowing and effusive raves to somewhat disappointed takes (and one that’s outright scathing).
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 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 6 Oct. 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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