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.
Jewish adults, who overwhelmingly skew Democratic, have a slightly more favorable opinion of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, an outspoken critic of Israel, than of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the poll found. — Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 Liang has long been one of China’s most outspoken, demographers. — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 7 July 2026 The granddaughter of Bening’s matriarch Beulah and daughter of ne’er-do-well Rob-Will (Jai Courtney), Lind’s outspoken character Oreana kept everybody on their toes. — William Earl, Variety, 6 July 2026 Della Valle has been released, thanks to his wife’s outspoken advocacy. — Mica Rosenberg, ProPublica, 6 July 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 15 Jul. 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

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Nglish: Translation of outspoken for Spanish Speakers

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