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 There’s no bombast, no contests, not even any highlight clips; just some plainspoken, matter-of-fact comments from the guy next door who happens to watch an awful lot of hockey. Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 Thune is known as an honest and plainspoken dealmaker who will likely give his Republican colleagues more insight and advance notice of leadership decisions. Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 17 Dec. 2024 His movie shares and enhances the novel’s commitment to excavation—but in place of the plainspoken language of Whitehead’s novel and the ground-penetrating pickaxes of real life, Ross favors images. K. Austin Collins, The Atlantic, 13 Dec. 2024 Just plainspoken storytelling about his regrets, mental struggles and redemption couched in acoustic guitars, affecting backbeats and the occasional banjo and gospel chorus. Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for plainspoken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plainspoken
Adjective
  • In her later years, she became known as an outspoken activist for animal rights and for voicing strong, controversial opinions — such as denouncing the #MeToo movement in 2018.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
  • As Hollywood has grown more outspoken in recent months about the situation in the Middle East, the challenges of convincing its distributors — the lifelines that can take movies from obscurity to national recognition — remain.
    Rebecca Keegan, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • When his father’s milestone birthday arrived, the teen saw an opportunity to be brutally honest.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Other marketing, the kind of stuff that people who would need to seek out (like, oh, big fans of Bruce) is more honest, like this featurette all about Cooper’s approach to this specific time in The Boss’ life and career.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Read on for the candid confessions and cautionary tales that might save you from making the same mistakes.
    Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Another commenter, while sympathetic, offered a more candid take.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With its frank and thoughtful discussions about therapy and mental health, the book became immensely popular in South Korea when it was published in 2018.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
  • And while that’s certainly an aspect of Eby’s work, the creator likes to focus on a more frank approach to teaching people about the disease.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plainspoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plainspoken. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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