OPENLY Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

openly

adverb

Definition of openly

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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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 Coy McAlexander, Remedora's CEO, has openly acknowledged facilitating the sale of retatrutide. — Daniel Gilbert, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026 This is where financial risk control measures, such as internal monitoring of accounting activities and openly communicating with stakeholders, are key. — Shawn L. Davenport, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026 Gaga has spoken openly about her desire to begin her parenthood journey over the past several years. — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026 The betrayal is all the more painful, coming amid almost constant Russian drone and missile attacks and ahead of a winter that Moscow openly plans to weaponize. — Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026 Many Saint Francis nurses have openly expressed their desire to remain non-union, and their voices and rights deserve the same respect and protection as those of nurses who support union representation. — Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026 After 2022, this heroic depiction of Russia acquired a much more openly militaristic tenor. — Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 2026 In its own hemisphere, the State Department is committed to a more openly imperialist project. — Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026 What’s Happening Top athletes across sports are openly folding compression boots into their off-hours. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for openly

Adverb

The South Shore & South Bend also depends on being able to switch freight freely among all railroads operating on the Chicago network, Gilbertson said, and this could be adversely affected if the industry gets more concentrated.

— John Lippert, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
In court filings, however, the government said Morales García told federal agents he was born in Mexico and freely chose to return there.

— María Luisa Paúl, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of freely

Adverb

Press notes from Particle6 encourage reporters to engage sincerely with Norwood and maintain there is no script or pre-written answers.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026
Most of these programs are offered through wholesale channels rather than the retail bank on the corner, which is why the loan officer at a national depository may sincerely believe no such option exists.

— Karen Koehler, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026