overtly

adverb

overt·​ly ō-ˈvərt-lē How to pronounce overtly (audio)
ˈō-(ˌ)vərt-
: in an overt manner : in a way that is open, straightforward, or obvious
an overtly racist 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
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Therapists are overtly adding AI into their practice as a therapeutic tool. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025 Starlit Prim hinted that her upcoming collection will channel the glamour of Monaco in the ’50s — perfect for her target customer of women who understand and love a timeless vintage occasion look and want to feel modern, but not overtly trendy. Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025 Her history, our ballooning interest in her more overtly sensual work, and the very contours of her face have all been fodder for intensifying debate. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025 Women were both empowered and objectified, deemed capable of being in charge but still overtly sexualized. Thessaly La Force, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overtly

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overtly was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Overtly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overtly. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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