outspoken

1 of 2

adjective

out·​spo·​ken ˌau̇t-ˈspō-kən 

1

: direct and open in speech or expression : frank

… outspoken in his criticism …

—Current Biography

2

: spoken or expressed without reserve

his outspoken advocacy of environmentalism

outspokenly adverb

outspokenness

ˌau̇t-ˈspō-kən-nəs 

noun

outspoken

2 of 2

past participle of outspeak

Synonyms of outspoken

Adjective

• honest
• candid
• frank
• vocal
• forthcoming
• forthright

Examples of outspoken in a Sentence

Adjective

She has been an outspoken advocate of women's rights throughout her life.

an outspoken and controversial radio host

She's very outspoken about political issues.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The association advocates on behalf of counties at the state and federal levels and Knaus was frequently outspoken on issues involving California’s budget, health care and homelessness. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Biermann, the new documentary film from Jens Meurer (An Impossible Project, Public Enemy, Seaside Special), is a portrait of the outspoken political singer-songwriter and poet Wolf Biermann. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026

Alpha was founded in Austin, Texas, in 2014 by MacKenzie Price, who has become an outspoken critic of traditional schooling. — Maya Blackstone, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

The longtime community and labor organizer has been an outspoken progressive voice in the state legislature since she was elected in 2020. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1808, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outspoken

• awoken
• betoken
• heartbroken
• unbroken
• unspoken
• broken
• oaken
• spoken
• token
• woken

Kids Definition

outspoken

adjective

out·​spo·​ken au̇t-ˈspō-kən 

: direct and open in speech or expression : frank

outspokenness

-kən-nəs 

noun