as in freely
in a direct and honest way; without hiding feelings or opinions
Please feel free to express your opinions openly. The governor has been openly critical of the President.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of openly
But Moscow has openly rejected proposals from Kyiv’s European allies to contribute to a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine if a ceasefire deal is finalized.
—
Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
In a first-person essay published in Sports Illustrated in 2013, Collins wrote about his sexuality and became the first openly gay player in any of the four major North American men's professional sports leagues.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025
When Sarah McLachlan first hatched the idea for the 1990s women-only Lilith Fair tour, concert promoters openly questioned whether female singer-songwriters could perform back to back on a traveling festival bill and sell enough tickets.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
Bolsonaro, his sons, and his allies have openly criticized Justice Moraes.
—Adriana Carranca, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Essentially, if both partners are willing to reflect, communicate openly, and take tangible steps to improve the relationship, there’s potential for growth.
—Essence, 12 Sep. 2025
Timchenko openly discussed how his company’s investments in battery storage, solar, and wind are not merely green-transition gestures but are key defenses in an ongoing energy war—and symbols of the nation’s undying spirit.
—Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
In the decision on Wednesday, a state appeals court ruled that Florida's ban on openly carrying guns is unconstitutional, the Associated Press reported.
—Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Students, faculty members, journalists and even some politicians openly criticized him and Turning Point USA.
—Gabriel Nadales, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025
Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
In a first-person essay published in Sports Illustrated in 2013, Collins wrote about his sexuality and became the first openly gay player in any of the four major North American men's professional sports leagues.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025
When Sarah McLachlan first hatched the idea for the 1990s women-only Lilith Fair tour, concert promoters openly questioned whether female singer-songwriters could perform back to back on a traveling festival bill and sell enough tickets.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
Bolsonaro, his sons, and his allies have openly criticized Justice Moraes.
—Adriana Carranca, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Essentially, if both partners are willing to reflect, communicate openly, and take tangible steps to improve the relationship, there’s potential for growth.
—Essence, 12 Sep. 2025
Timchenko openly discussed how his company’s investments in battery storage, solar, and wind are not merely green-transition gestures but are key defenses in an ongoing energy war—and symbols of the nation’s undying spirit.
—Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
In the decision on Wednesday, a state appeals court ruled that Florida's ban on openly carrying guns is unconstitutional, the Associated Press reported.
—Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Students, faculty members, journalists and even some politicians openly criticized him and Turning Point USA.
—Gabriel Nadales, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for openly
Adverb
-
The right to speak freely is the ultimate personal liberty and the foundation of Karen’s 11-year career at The Post.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Sep. 2025
-
As a public institution, UVU upholds First Amendment rights and fosters an environment where ideas – popular or controversial – can be exchanged freely, energetically, and civilly.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
15 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
How to rebuild trust in a relationship The first steps to rebuilding trust in a relationship, Prabhu says, is for the partner who was hurt to express their pain to the partner who hurt them, and for the partner who hurt them to sincerely acknowledge and validate the hurt partner's feelings.—
Hannah Yasharoff,
USA Today,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Miller sincerely believes there’s a game for everyone.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Openly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/openly. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share