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
Elizabeth DrewIn the late 1860's interest gradually waned in landscape paintings that overtly conveyed nationalistic, philosophical, and religious meanings.—Franklin Kelly
Franklin KellyIt 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
Barbara Probst SolomonExamples of overtly in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The overtly functional codes are giving way to something more refined and emotionally driven.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 24 Feb. 2026
At best, The Loneliest Man in Town creates a unique vibe that’s partly steeped in such memories and partly filled with contemporary malaise, although the film never feels overtly bleak and ultimately holds out hope for Cook’s future.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 19 Feb. 2026
Rather than an overtly metallic finish, Bieber’s bikini has a quiet, muted finish—perfect for a minimalist like herself.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 17 Feb. 2026
For another neutral white that doesn't feel overtly sterile or boring, Ayala is championing Cloud White.
—Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overtly
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Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 24 Feb. 2026
At best, The Loneliest Man in Town creates a unique vibe that’s partly steeped in such memories and partly filled with contemporary malaise, although the film never feels overtly bleak and ultimately holds out hope for Cook’s future.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 19 Feb. 2026
Rather than an overtly metallic finish, Bieber’s bikini has a quiet, muted finish—perfect for a minimalist like herself.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 17 Feb. 2026
For another neutral white that doesn't feel overtly sterile or boring, Ayala is championing Cloud White.
—Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overtly
Cite this Entry
“Overtly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overtly. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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