outspoken

play

adjective out·spo·ken \ ˌau̇t-ˈspō-kən \

Definition of outspoken

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 gun control

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outspokenly

adverb

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outspokenness

play \ˌau̇t-ˈspō-kən-nəs\ noun

See outspoken defined for English-language learners

See outspoken defined for kids

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 of outspoken from the Web

Chandler is an outspoken advocate for children with special needs and volunteers much of his time to inform and organize parents to become better advocates for their children.

— trisha powell crain, AL.com, "Alabama BOE member: 'I never considered institutionalizing special ed students'," 24 Aug. 2017
The then-15-year-old Yousafzai had been an outspoken advocate for girls' rights—specifically, their right to a quality education—and was targeted by the Taliban for her beliefs.

— maggie mallon, Glamour, "It's Official: Malala Yousafzai Will Attend Oxford University Starting This Fall," 17 Aug. 2017
However, Benitez has been outspoken on his side's inability to make adequate signings in the summer's transfer window with Newcastle now competing in the Premier League.

— SI.com, "VIDEO: Former Newcastle Star Claims Rafa Benitez Has Not Talked to Mike Ashley for 'Months'," 15 Aug. 2017
The rate increase could have been as high as 20 percent in one fell swoop, or as much as 10 percent per year for the next four years - but the council blamed Fischer for failing to be more outspoken in defense of the higher-rate options.

— james bruggers, The Courier-Journal, "Flood protection, new sewer upgrades, to remain on hold even as MSD rates rise 6.9 percent," 28 July 2017
Webster has been an outspoken religious leader on social justice issues in Alabama, especially on the issue of predatory lending.

— greg garrison, AL.com, "Birmingham's First Presbyterian pastor plans to retire," 19 July 2017
Robertson was used to criticism about her outspoken views on feminism and politics.

— samantha schmidt, idahostatesman, "Mormon university instructor says her firing surprised her," 19 July 2017
Jenkins, who was known as Prince and was described by some inmates as outspoken, told Boland not to treat him like a child.

— steve mills, chicagotribune.com, "How did Terrance Jenkins die? Guards, prisoners disagree on details in inmate's death," 17 July 2017
Ai Weiwei, the outspoken Chinese artist, who lives in Germany, said on Twitter.

— chris buckley, New York Times, "Liu Xiaobo, Chinese Dissident and Nobel Laureate, Is Cremated," 15 July 2017

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

First Known Use of outspoken

circa 1808

outspoken Synonyms

Synonyms

candid, direct, forthcoming, forthright, foursquare, freehearted, free-spoken, honest, open, openhearted, out-front, frank, plain, plainspoken, straight, straightforward, unguarded, unreserved, up-front

Antonyms

dissembling, uncandid, unforthcoming

Related Words

artless, earnest, guileless, ingenuous, innocent, naive (or naïve), natural, real, sincere, unaffected, undesigning, unpretending, unpretentious; outgoing, uninhibited, unrestrained; vocal, vociferous; abrupt, bluff, blunt, brusque (also brusk), crusty, curt, gruff, sharp; impertinent, impolite, inconsiderate, rude, tactless, thoughtless, uncivil, undiplomatic, ungracious, unmannerly, unsubtle

Near Antonyms

inhibited, reserved, restrained; close-mouthed, laconic, quiet, reticent, taciturn, tight-lipped, uncommunicative; ambiguous, circuitous, equivocal, evasive; diplomatic, politic, tactful; civil, considerate, courteous, polite

OUTSPOKEN Defined for English Language Learners

outspoken

play

adjective

Definition of outspoken for English Language Learners

: talking in a free and honest way about your opinions

OUTSPOKEN Defined for Kids

outspoken

play

adjective out·spo·ken \ au̇t-ˈspō-kən \

Definition of outspoken for Students

:talking in a free and honest way :blunt

an outspoken critic

—

outspokenly

adverb

—

outspokenness

noun

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outspokenly

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Examples of outspoken in a Sentence

Recent Examples of outspoken from the Web

First Known Use of outspoken

outspoken Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

OUTSPOKEN Defined for English Language Learners

outspoken

Definition of outspoken for English Language Learners

OUTSPOKEN Defined for Kids

outspoken

Definition of outspoken for Students

outspokenly

outspokenness

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