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.
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Recent Examples of openly
The practice has surged in popularity as celebrities and pro athletes openly share their routines.
—
Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026
Even commentators who are openly critical have begun to borrow the same phrasing, the same rhythm, the same constant escalation.
—Atom Ariola, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
Particularly in the part of southern Lebanon now occupied by Israel, the destruction mirrors Gaza — something Israeli officials have openly discussed.
—Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 30 Apr. 2026
The two billionaires have been openly feuding for many years now, despite founding OpenAI together over a decade ago.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 30 Apr. 2026
The film examines the generation who never expected to become senior citizens in the face of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and decades of oppression, who now find themselves trailblazers again as the first openly LGBTQ seniors.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 29 Apr. 2026
Realness and rawness Biles has openly and honestly shared her struggles with mental health since taking time away from gymnastics following the tumult of the Tokyo Olympics.
—Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
The president of Brazil’s Senate, Davi Alcolumbre, openly advocated for another candidate before Lula picked Messias as his nominee.
—ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026
The program, which the automaker only began talking about openly earlier this decade, specializes in one- and few-offs and is responsible for some its most breathtaking vehicles.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 28 Apr. 2026
Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026
Even commentators who are openly critical have begun to borrow the same phrasing, the same rhythm, the same constant escalation.
—Atom Ariola, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
Particularly in the part of southern Lebanon now occupied by Israel, the destruction mirrors Gaza — something Israeli officials have openly discussed.
—Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 30 Apr. 2026
The two billionaires have been openly feuding for many years now, despite founding OpenAI together over a decade ago.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 30 Apr. 2026
The film examines the generation who never expected to become senior citizens in the face of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and decades of oppression, who now find themselves trailblazers again as the first openly LGBTQ seniors.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 29 Apr. 2026
Realness and rawness Biles has openly and honestly shared her struggles with mental health since taking time away from gymnastics following the tumult of the Tokyo Olympics.
—Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
The president of Brazil’s Senate, Davi Alcolumbre, openly advocated for another candidate before Lula picked Messias as his nominee.
—ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026
The program, which the automaker only began talking about openly earlier this decade, specializes in one- and few-offs and is responsible for some its most breathtaking vehicles.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 28 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for openly
Adverb
-
LoRusso also recommends pots for herbs that love to spread, like mint and spearmint, which if allowed to grow freely will extend throughout (and beyond) your garden bed.—
Jenny Hughes,
The Spruce,
2 May 2026
-
Guests can move freely between experiences, allowing the day to unfold organically — never rushed, never fixed.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2026
Adverb
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At that time, the other co-founders were sincerely questioning both Musk and Altman’s motivations for wanting to become OpenAI’s CEO.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The Lebanese government sincerely wants to take control of the south and disarm and contain Hezbollah.—
Hussein Ibish,
The Atlantic,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Openly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/openly. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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