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

Dolly's faith Parton was very outspoken throughout her life about her Christian faith. — Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Alvarez Ayala has also been accused of financing and orchestrating the November 2025 assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, an outspoken critic of organized crime who was shot during Day of the Dead celebrations. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 26 Aug. 2026

On her Instagram Story on Monday night, Einbinder — who is Jewish and has been an outspoken advocate for Palestinians — became the first major celebrity to publicly support Ruffalo. — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

Her outspoken work with the LGBT community was an important part of her advocacy, and Fonda spoke directly to her gay and transgender fans who are mourning alongside her. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 25 Aug. 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