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
In late October, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson posted a YouTube interview with Nick Fuentes, a popular white-nationalist and openly antisemitic pundit.
—
Eli Thompson, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025
Minnesota coach Chris Finch senses a growing interest in the tournament for players across the league, noting guys talk openly about it.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
He’s gone beyond transgressing political and presidential norms to openly trampling on the Constitution.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025
These stories are important and should absolutely be shared, and hearing people speak openly about these difficult topics can help others feel less alone.
—Lindsay Lowe, Parents, 8 Nov. 2025
Though Lavigne has remained publicly silent on the split, Mod has continued to speak openly.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 8 Nov. 2025
Musicians and artisans who were scheduled to feature their work at the store have since canceled their appearances, and the couple is openly wondering if the business can survive the backlash.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 7 Nov. 2025
However, while Wagner openly supported Hemedti, the Kremlin has been negotiating with al-Burhan and his forces.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
But openly giving up on one of the revolution’s central orthodoxies is also difficult.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2025
Eli Thompson, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025
Minnesota coach Chris Finch senses a growing interest in the tournament for players across the league, noting guys talk openly about it.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
He’s gone beyond transgressing political and presidential norms to openly trampling on the Constitution.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025
These stories are important and should absolutely be shared, and hearing people speak openly about these difficult topics can help others feel less alone.
—Lindsay Lowe, Parents, 8 Nov. 2025
Though Lavigne has remained publicly silent on the split, Mod has continued to speak openly.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 8 Nov. 2025
Musicians and artisans who were scheduled to feature their work at the store have since canceled their appearances, and the couple is openly wondering if the business can survive the backlash.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 7 Nov. 2025
However, while Wagner openly supported Hemedti, the Kremlin has been negotiating with al-Burhan and his forces.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
But openly giving up on one of the revolution’s central orthodoxies is also difficult.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for openly
Adverb
-
The Second Division table showed Glossop were bottom at the time and Arsenal top, and the big crowd cramming into the small ground in the Derbyshire hills expected to see — and did see — the visitors dominate and score freely.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Never overcrowd the washer drum so clothes can move freely.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
Adverb
-
Over Zoom Wendel seems sincerely excited these changes and clear-eyed about the reasons for them.—
Katie Bain,
Billboard,
10 Nov. 2025
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Even among some voters who were sincerely uncomfortable with Mamdani’s past rhetoric, many rationalized that an authentic Democrat with a pulse was still better than someone who might be manipulated from afar.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Openly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/openly. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
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