outspoken

adjective

out·​spo·​ken ˌau̇t-ˈspō-kən How to pronounce outspoken (audio)
1
: direct and open in speech or expression : frank
outspoken in his criticismCurrent Biography
2
: spoken or expressed without reserve
his outspoken advocacy of gun control
outspokenly adverb
outspokenness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
No president has ever fired a commissioner, and many commissioners have been outspoken advocates for free speech. Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025 The legendary journalist and author's first husband Jay Monahan died of colon cancer in 1998 which spurred her to be an outspoken advocate and fundraiser for cancer research. Kiran Hefa, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025 The Heritage Foundation, where Antoni serves as chief economist, defended his outspoken criticism of the BLS. Scott Horsley, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025 Mahdawi, who was detained in April after completing his naturalization interview, had been outspoken on the Columbia University campus in opposition to the war in Gaza. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outspoken

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1808, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outspoken was circa 1808

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Cite this Entry

“Outspoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outspoken. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

outspoken

adjective
out·​spo·​ken au̇t-ˈspō-kən How to pronounce outspoken (audio)
: direct and open in speech or expression : frank
outspokenness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on outspoken

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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