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

The actor has long been an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and particularly transgender women. —Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Beyond her pioneering achievements behind the wheel, Levitt was also an inventor, a royal driving instructor, a suffragette and an outspoken writer. —Jamie Lang, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025

During what was already a tense night for New York Knicks fans, an unexpected courtside moment between two of hip-hop’s most outspoken figures turned even more heads. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 22 Apr. 2025

Gómez is an outspoken conservative on many issues, including against LGBTQ rights. —Randall Balmer, Time, 21 Apr. 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