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

Backup catcher Drew Millas was the first Nationals catcher in the majors to look to the dugout for suggestions, as the team figured its outspoken backstop would communicate what was (or wasn’t) working and have more time to focus on his offense. — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Mahdawi, who was detained in April 2025 by ICE agents at his naturalization interview in Vermont, had been outspoken on the Columbia University campus in opposition to the war in Gaza. — Armando Garcia, ABC News, 21 July 2026

Mahmoud Nabavian, an outspoken radical lawmaker, asked on X days before Khamenei’s funeral. — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

Bottoms was outspoken after the FBI raided a Fulton County election hub earlier this year in an area part of the greater Atlanta metro area. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 17 July 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