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 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
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 Solomon
Examples of overtly in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Zelensky, who has proved himself a wartime leader of uncommon abilities, is a canny communicator, and some Ukrainian analysts see a careful calibration of his tone, particularly as some Republican lawmakers are overtly critical of aid to Ukraine.
—Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2023
While certain moments are wholly unique, like Jarboe’s repurposing of a hockey jersey as a ball gown, others borrow overtly from artists like John Cameron Mitchell and Taylor Mac.
—Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 19 Sep. 2023
Both of these styles revolve around the idea that luxury should not be overtly declared, and the absence of the designer logo is filled with the quality of the garment.
—Selene Oliva, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2023
Amid the violence, Mr. Botero, who had successfully returned to painting, took on more overtly political subjects.
—Tim Johnson, Washington Post, 15 Sep. 2023
On mainland Greece, Nazi atrocities unfolded in a similar fashion, with German troops targeting communities overtly or even tangentially linked to partisan activity.
—Carolyn Hagler, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Sep. 2023
Mustafa wasn’t involved in politics or human-rights work, beyond discussions of basic democratic reforms, but he was appalled by the overtly criminal manner in which security forces and associated militias carried out their campaign with impunity.
—Ben Taub, The New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2023
The music nods overtly to nature with its twitters and echoes, though its progress is asymmetrical and often agitated.
—Jeremy Yudkin, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Sep. 2023
There were not any overtly head-scratching decisions or play calls, just a lot that backfired.
—Matt Cohen | McOhen@al.com, al, 10 Sep. 2023
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Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2023
While certain moments are wholly unique, like Jarboe’s repurposing of a hockey jersey as a ball gown, others borrow overtly from artists like John Cameron Mitchell and Taylor Mac.
—Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 19 Sep. 2023
Both of these styles revolve around the idea that luxury should not be overtly declared, and the absence of the designer logo is filled with the quality of the garment.
—Selene Oliva, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2023
Amid the violence, Mr. Botero, who had successfully returned to painting, took on more overtly political subjects.
—Tim Johnson, Washington Post, 15 Sep. 2023
On mainland Greece, Nazi atrocities unfolded in a similar fashion, with German troops targeting communities overtly or even tangentially linked to partisan activity.
—Carolyn Hagler, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Sep. 2023
Mustafa wasn’t involved in politics or human-rights work, beyond discussions of basic democratic reforms, but he was appalled by the overtly criminal manner in which security forces and associated militias carried out their campaign with impunity.
—Ben Taub, The New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2023
The music nods overtly to nature with its twitters and echoes, though its progress is asymmetrical and often agitated.
—Jeremy Yudkin, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Sep. 2023
There were not any overtly head-scratching decisions or play calls, just a lot that backfired.
—Matt Cohen | McOhen@al.com, al, 10 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overtly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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
Dictionary Entries Near overtly
Cite this Entry
“Overtly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overtly. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.
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