outspoken

adjective

out·​spo·​ken ˌau̇t-ˈspō-kən How to pronounce outspoken (audio)
1
: direct and open in speech or expression : frank
outspoken in his criticismCurrent Biography
2
: spoken or expressed without reserve
his outspoken advocacy of gun control
outspokenly adverb
outspokenness noun

Examples of outspoken in a Sentence

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Tariq Bokhari was known for his outspoken approach that landed the city in hot water earlier this year. Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025 Rowling, whose best-selling young adult series and accompanying movie franchise sparked a pop culture phenomenon in the 2000s, has drawn backlash in recent years for her outspoken views against the transgender community. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025 Across the tech industry, workers have become more outspoken in their criticism of business dealings with the Israeli military. Annie Palmer, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025 This huggies pair from the TikTok-popular brand Gorjana is both classic and a bit more outspoken than your average earrings offering. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outspoken

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1808, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outspoken was circa 1808

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Cite this Entry

“Outspoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outspoken. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

outspoken

adjective
out·​spo·​ken au̇t-ˈspō-kən How to pronounce outspoken (audio)
: direct and open in speech or expression : frank
outspokenness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on outspoken

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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