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

Tennis tournament revenues are worth monitoring, as players were outspoken this season about increasing their share—a cohort of top players reportedly requested a 16% share from the Grand Slams. — Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 13 Nov. 2026

But public health experts say that outspoken federal leadership is exactly what is needed. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 13 Nov. 2026

Richard Posner, a prodigious legal scholar and outspoken former federal appeals court judge who pioneered the use of economic theory to resolve legal questions, has died. — CBS News, 12 Nov. 2026

Bennett, normally an outspoken political figure who has largely avoided the spotlight during the coalition negotiations, broke his relative silence to repeatedly confront Netanyahu during the speech. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 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