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 environmentalism

outspokenly adverb

outspokenness

ˌau̇t-ˈspō-kən-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of outspoken

• honest
• candid
• frank
• vocal
• forthcoming
• forthright

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

Combs has been outspoken about his faith and brought a Bible to the federal courthouse throughout his two-month criminal trial in New York City last year. — Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 26 June 2026

Partners and close friends could be more outspoken, impatient or argumentative, forcing important issues to the forefront. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

The victorious candidates in New York City, Brad Lander, Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier, were all pro-Palestinian and outspoken critics of Israel, a bad sign for the rise in antisemitic attacks in this country. — Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 25 June 2026

The debut novel from this English professor and pioneering feminist follows Mira, a suburban homemaker who chafes against patriarchal society, divorces her husband, enrolls in graduate school, and becomes an outspoken advocate for women’s rights. — Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 25 June 2026

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