as in to speak up
to voice one's opinions freely with force
it's a free country, so anyone can speak out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 speak out
It is meant to exhaust people, silence voices, and deter others from speaking out in defense of human rights.
—
A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Bailey’s determination to center his Native roots in his music, and his willingness to speak out about it without backing down, have caught the attention of artists across the Americana scene with a history of speaking their minds.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026
Vance spoke out on social media, expressing his gratitude to the Secret Service and Cincinnati police for responding quickly.
—Luke Barr, ABC News, 5 Jan. 2026
Katherine Ryan has spoken out about her experience of working with Russell Brand on the UK version of Roast Battle for Paramount’s Comedy Central.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for speak out
A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Bailey’s determination to center his Native roots in his music, and his willingness to speak out about it without backing down, have caught the attention of artists across the Americana scene with a history of speaking their minds.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026
Vance spoke out on social media, expressing his gratitude to the Secret Service and Cincinnati police for responding quickly.
—Luke Barr, ABC News, 5 Jan. 2026
Katherine Ryan has spoken out about her experience of working with Russell Brand on the UK version of Roast Battle for Paramount’s Comedy Central.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for speak out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speak out
Verb
-
To vocalize the belief that the lawsuit was partisan politics instead of concerned citizens speaking up, is very disheartening.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
7 Jan. 2026
-
One local artist and two community leaders spoke up for the trees Tuesday night, encouraging the commission to approve the plan.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Davis stood up and shouted at referee Jeffrey Anderson.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The post even shouted out Moore, who was absent.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The 45-year-old's work at the CBS Evening News desk was even criticized by fellow TV personality Megyn Kelly, who relentlessly mocked Dokoupil for crying during a CBS News Miami clip that saw him being interviewed by a local broadcaster and subsequently crying over memories of his childhood.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Jane and Darlene have both cried on the runway recently.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
University of Arkansas basketball Coach John Calipari sounded off on the system Monday night after a 103-74 win over James Madison at Walton Arena.—
Matt Byrne,
Arkansas Online,
1 Jan. 2026
-
Redick sounded off after Los Angeles dropped a third straight game, questioning his team’s effort and professionalism.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
28 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Rubin also talked up the annual Fanatics Fest, which will have its third engagement July 16 to 19 at the Javits Center.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
12 Jan. 2026
-
With something like military zeal, the former soldier who once itched to be on the front lines now talks up saving the world’s dwindling varieties of tomato seeds, as well as books about social inequality.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The complainant alleged that Young yelled and became hostile before striking them in the chest with a closed fist while the vehicle was stopped.—
WBFF STAFF,
Baltimore Sun,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Onlookers yell that the man can’t breathe.—
Nicole Foy,
ProPublica,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The peek behind the scenes, the opportunity to introduce terminology like swing, Captain Wagner’s moment to pipe up about the distinction between a soundtrack and a cast recording — who says TV isn’t educational?—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
19 Dec. 2025
-
When the crowd got a chance to ask questions, a rancher piped up.—
Elise Schmelzer,
Denver Post,
24 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Speak out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speak%20out. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
