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speak-out

1 of 2

noun

: an event in which people publicly share their experiences of or views on an issue

speak out

2 of 2

verb

spoke out; spoken out; speaking out; speaks out

intransitive verb

1
: to speak loud enough to be heard
2
: to speak boldly : express an opinion frankly
spoke out on the issues

Examples of speak-out in a Sentence

Verb it's a free country, so anyone can speak out
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
And yet, its importance as a text of and for the anti-rape movement—a movement that emerged from second-wave feminist organizing, speak-outs, and grassroots consciousness-raising sessions in the late 1960s and early 1970s—escaped most observers. TIME, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
Mayci Neeley is one of the few women on SLOMW who is an active member of the LDS church and has spoken out about its stance on LGBTQ+ issues, attending a Pride parade on the show. H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025 Arms of Hope, the organization in charge of the donation box, spoke out after the death. Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for speak-out

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1968, in the meaning defined above

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of speak-out was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Speak-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speak-out. Accessed 27 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

speak out

verb
1
: to speak loudly and clearly
2
: to speak freely and confidently
was never afraid to speak out on the issues
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