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

But this is as overtly political as Land Whales get. —Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 18 Mar. 2026

Signing Willis alone should snuff any notion that the new regime is overtly tanking, NBA style, to lose big with (very) high draft picks in mind. —Greg Cote updated March 17, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026

The result is a gourmand that feels lighter and more atmospheric than overtly sweet—warm, a little savory, and especially fitting for summer. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026

Any cardinal perceived to be campaigning overtly on his own behalf was immediately disqualified so the politics were subtle. —Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overtly

• covertly
• curtly