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

Morris has long been an outspoken advocate for the LBGTQ+ community. —Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026

Bieber has always been outspoken about his faith. —Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026

Commissioner Joshua Wostal, an outspoken opponent of the deal as currently structured, presented the possibility of funding the stadium with only tourist tax dollars. —Nicolas Villamil, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2026

Wilkins was from the People’s Republic of Eugene, had long hair and a beard, was outspoken, constantly questioning authority. —Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 17 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