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

On foreign policy, Scott was an outspoken advocate for NATO and post-World War II American alliances. —Dan Raby, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026

And in December, Khanna was outspoken about the ballot initiative in California to impose a one-time 5% wealth tax on billionaires in the state. —Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026

The family had been outspoken about conditions inside the Dilley facility, which is designated as a detention center for families. —Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2026

The doctors have been outspoken in urging Americans to consider how their tax dollars have been used to fund Israel’s military operations. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 23 Apr. 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