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

Unlike more overtly depressive takes on this role, Bos’ Hamlet is impetuous and sardonic, often bounding up three stairs in a single step and unspooling his words, words, words as if his mouth can’t keep up with his restless mind. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026

This is the most overtly patriotic menu the fair has produced in years. — Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 9 July 2026

Another policy change, overtly focused on increasing revenue in the local mining sector when commodity prices rise, was the introduction of a new sliding scale gold royalty system that links state revenues to rising bullion prices. — Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 8 July 2026

New Yorkers have long had what might be called an indifferent relationship with Swift, if not an overtly skeptical one. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overtly

• covertly
• curtly