outspoken

adjective

out·​spo·​ken ˌau̇t-ˈspō-kən How to pronounce outspoken (audio)
Synonyms of outspoken
1
: direct and open in speech or expression : frank
… outspoken in his criticism …—Current Biography
2
: spoken or expressed without reserve
his outspoken advocacy of environmentalism
outspokenly adverb
outspokenness
ˌau̇t-ˈspō-kən-nəs How to pronounce outspoken (audio)
noun

Synonyms of outspoken

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Examples of outspoken in a Sentence

She has been an outspoken advocate of women's rights throughout her life. an outspoken and controversial radio host She's very outspoken about political issues.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Cunningham has been outspoken about transgender women in women's sports, a position that has spurred rallies in support of and opposed to her stance. — S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 Democrats’ weak prospects in Florida kept the national party out of the state, and Nixon capitalized on Vindman’s reluctance to face her on the campaign trail and her record as an outspoken progressive. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 Aug. 2026 Hurzeler was outspoken about Arsenal’s time-wasting and reliance on set pieces before and after an ugly 1-0 defeat to the eventual champions at the Amex in March. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 Big progressive win Nixon, an outspoken progressive, ended up easily defeating Vindman, who was much more of an establishment centrist. — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outspoken

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1808, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outspoken was circa 1808

Rhymes for outspoken

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Browse Nearby Words

outspin
outspoken
outsport
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Cite this Entry

“Outspoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outspoken. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

outspoken

adjective
out·​spo·​ken au̇t-ˈspō-kən How to pronounce outspoken (audio)
: direct and open in speech or expression : frank
outspokenness
-kən-nəs How to pronounce outspoken (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on outspoken

Nglish: Translation of outspoken for Spanish Speakers

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