overtly

adverb

overt·​ly ō-ˈvərt-lē 

ˈō-(ˌ)vərt-

: in an overt manner : in a way that is open, straightforward, or obvious

an overtly hostile remark

an overtly political message

… the fashion of dumbing down the public discourse was over. Being overtly brainy, simply being oneself, was back in style.

—Elizabeth Drew

In the late 1860's interest gradually waned in landscape paintings that overtly conveyed nationalistic, philosophical, and religious meanings.

—Franklin Kelly

It is now easier for French writers to write more overtly about the occupation because their country is now stressing reconciliation, forgiveness for whatever wrongs were done then …

—Barbara Probst Solomon

Examples of overtly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Even Ava, the most overtly rage-baity of the bunch, took a weeklong break from social media after receiving a swell of hate messages. — Margaux MacColl, Vanity Fair, 11 Aug. 2026

The commingling of late night and overtly liberal politics has been a narrative for a decade now, ever since Colbert’s ratings skyrocketed (for engaging in them) and Jimmy Fallon’s tanked (for not) in the president’s first term. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 9 Aug. 2026

In this case, Turkish rose skews moodier—more cool-girl edge than overtly sweet. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026

Gervais isn’t overtly sentimental in depicting Gus’ growing affection for his young, quite cutely drawn (her eyes are enormous) young charge; in fact, the story resolves on a fittingly bittersweet note for the overall tone. — Alison Herman, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overtly

• covertly
• curtly