outspoken

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 gun control

outspokenly adverb

outspokenness

ˌau̇t-ˈspō-kən-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

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

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

Newsom, however, was an outspoken opponent of the proposition. —George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025

The Democratic lawmakers have been outspoken critics of conditions at the centers amid concerns over overcrowding and detainee deaths. —Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025

Jones has been an outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump over the last year. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025

Councilmembers Shana Charles and Ahmad Zahra, outspoken critics of the chartering initiative since Mayor Fred Jung raised the idea earlier this year, voted against proceeding. —Jonathan Horwitz, Oc Register, 20 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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