OUTRIGHT Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

outright

adjective

ˈau̇t-ˌrīt

Definition of outright

as in utter

having no exceptions or restrictions that's an outright lie!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 outright Angry words soon turn into protests and outright violence, with the gun violence that seems as inevitable as a winter storm on the horizon. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026 The move, while not an outright ban, set off alarms in the market, and with good reason. — Gloria Xiong, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 In late July, Bloomberg reported SoftBank was weighing an outright acquisition valuing the company at more than $500 million. — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Unlike outright school closures during COVID-19, the Iran war’s impact on education is less visible. — ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outright

Recent Examples of Synonyms for outright

Adjective

In both cases, there is something at once magisterial and leadenly self-regarding about the melancholic rhythms of Cusk’s prose, with its stiff and stately syntax and its utter impatience with the real vagaries of difference.

— Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
The Carolina Panthers played their offensive starters for three series on Saturday, and the result was an utter flop.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of utter

Adjective

Bail was set at $40,000 unconditional or $20,000 with conditions, the county attorney’s office said Friday.

— Austin Mullen, NBC news, 23 Aug. 2026
Forgo those weapons, as the Iranians have done until now, and the result is destruction, attempts at regime change, and demands for unconditional surrender.

— Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of unconditional

Adjective

There was sheer joy — Warren Barton once instructed Keegan to perform press-ups on the touchline during a game at St James’ for calling a throw-in the wrong way.

— Michael Walker, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Just across the street from the bus stop … lurks a deep drainage pool at the bottom of a sheer 12-foot drop from the street.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

Our absolute priority right now is providing unwavering support to their families, friends and teammates during this devastating time.

— CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Our absolute priority right now is providing unwavering support to their families, friends, and teammates during this devastating time.

— Jack Moore, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of absolute

Adjective

Craig said construction of the first stage of the Jansen potash project in Saskatchewan was 84% complete.

— Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
But a complete turnover on defense, coupled with nonconference games at Georgia Tech and Northwestern, will lead to another losing season, after which both sides move in different directions.

— Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of complete

Adjective

While many indie brands are content with one or two signature or hero products that may account for north of 50 percent of their business, Westman Atelier has five or six that contribute double-digit penetration to the total brand.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
The City Attorney's Office has about 160 lawyers, including an Employment Law section with 17 total employees, according to the city.

— Brian Maass, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of total

Adjective

With other phones, even something simple like replacing an aging battery often requires melting adhesive, prying apart fragile glass panels, and decoupling cables.

— Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026
For a generation that grew up under those glowing Pizza Hut pendants, the appeal is simple.

— Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of simple

Browse Nearby Words

outriggers

outright

outrun

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“Outright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outright. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of outright

adjective

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