plainspoken

adjective

ˈplān-ˈspō-kən How to pronounce plainspoken (audio)
Definition of plainspokennext
as in outspoken
free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions a plainspoken woman who never hesitated to speak the unvarnished truth

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 plainspoken Amid the early-spring lightness of the filmmaking, Fukada values softly plainspoken earnestness of emotion, as his repressed, recessive characters learn to listen to their own impulses in the general stillness that surrounds them. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 May 2026 The plainspoken lyrics align with a broader embrace of sincerity, privileging emotional directness over irony. — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 14 Apr. 2026 As Walmart hurtles into the AI age and rebrands itself as a tech company, the legacy of the chain’s plainspoken founder is lore in this city surrounded by cattle farms and poultry houses. — Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026 Her onstage persona is reminiscent of a battering ram — plainspoken, combative, and staccato. — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plainspoken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plainspoken
  1. outspoken
  2. honest
  3. candid
  4. frank
Adjective
  • Engelbert has faced criticism from players for her overall leadership style, specifically from players who were outspoken about her lack of personal connection with them.
    — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Americans, Trump at odds over data centers Lawmakers across the country, and on both sides of the political aisle, have become more outspoken against data centers as the national opinion shifts ahead of November's midterm elections.
    — Irene Wright, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of outspoken
Adjective
  • Rational, honest people understand that a part of her appeal is to middle America, particularly white people in middle America.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • There’s a lot in this film to be honest, but the first one that comes to mind is probably a moment where Tyler is leading his group in a conversation with the king for the first time.
    — Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of honest
Adjective
  • Agencies need to create opportunities for junior team members to observe client conversations, defend ideas, receive candid feedback and solve real business problems.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Muhl opened up about the family milestone in an Instagram post of her own, which featured several candid shots of the couple spending time with baby Aurelius.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of candid
Adjective
  • Despite her designs’ frank sensuality, all the harnesses and black leather, her real kink is Hermès’s craftsmanship.
    — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov described the talks to journalists afterward as constructive, frank and useful, but didn’t talk about specific outcomes.
    — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of frank

Browse Nearby Words

plains
plainspoken
plainspokenness
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Cite this Entry

“Plainspoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plainspoken. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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