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.
In her later years, she became known as an outspoken activist for animal rights and for voicing strong, controversial opinions — such as denouncing the #MeToo movement in 2018. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025 Dabis recruited Javier Bardem and Mark Ruffalo, two of the entertainment industry’s most outspoken figures on Gaza, as executive producers. Rebecca Keegan, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025 The news boosted streams of his music and drew attention to his outspoken political views. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025 The mother of three, one of the most outspoken victims of financier Jeffrey Epstein and his partner Ghislaine Maxwell, was 41. Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 22 Oct. 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 27 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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