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 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 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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