as in outspoken
free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions
a plainspoken woman who never hesitated to speak the unvarnished truth
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Recent Examples of plainspoken
With Michael Shannon magnificently plainspoken as Garfield, Matthew Macfadyen tragically deranged as Charles Guiteau and Nick Offerman steeped in inner conflict as undeserving Vice President Chester Alan Arthur, this is as good as historical drama gets.
—
Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 23 Dec. 2025
Widely listened to for decades, his staying power comes from his plainspoken nature, genuineness and relatability as much as his determination and hard work.
—Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Their sound does too — Silvers’ mezzo-soprano voice has already been compared to that of Mitchell, and her plainspoken lyricism has a certain Dylan-esque quality to it.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 3 Nov. 2025
Bands with songs about their members’ tumultuous interpersonal dynamics are not unique — see the long history of Fleetwood Mac — but what makes Hartzman’s approach to the topic so compelling, in both prose and song, is her vulnerability, her plainspoken lyricism, and keen observation.
—Karly Hartzman, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plainspoken
Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 23 Dec. 2025
Widely listened to for decades, his staying power comes from his plainspoken nature, genuineness and relatability as much as his determination and hard work.
—Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Their sound does too — Silvers’ mezzo-soprano voice has already been compared to that of Mitchell, and her plainspoken lyricism has a certain Dylan-esque quality to it.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 3 Nov. 2025
Bands with songs about their members’ tumultuous interpersonal dynamics are not unique — see the long history of Fleetwood Mac — but what makes Hartzman’s approach to the topic so compelling, in both prose and song, is her vulnerability, her plainspoken lyricism, and keen observation.
—Karly Hartzman, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plainspoken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plainspoken
Adjective
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Aside from suave showmanship and feel-good Latin rhythms, the outspoken singer paid tribute to his Latino heritage and Puerto Rican history during his performance.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
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Beijing’s national security law has transformed Hong Kong, with authorities jailing dozens of dissidents; forcing civil society groups and outspoken media outlets to disband; and neutering the city’s once-raucous political scene.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The most important issue facing the county is ensuring that the felt needs of residents are prioritized, and that the community feels seen, heard and responded to through honest, timely communication.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Feb. 2026
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Preparation before the storm, honest assessment after.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The fifth commissioner, John Herbst, the only one who voted not to hire Williams nearly a year ago, has been candid with her.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
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In a candid conversation with actress Jameela Jamil, Lewinsky opened up about trauma, public shaming and surviving one of the most infamous scandals in modern American history.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Don't forget to snap a photo of your beef frank or corn dog below the trademark signage.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Jan. 2026
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That’s why Mark Carney, the Canadian prime minister, was so well received in Davos, delivering a frank acknowledgment that the international order maintained by American power was over.—
Jonathan Lemire,
The Atlantic,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Plainspoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plainspoken. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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