overtly
adverb
overt·ly
ō-ˈvərt-lē 
ˈō-(ˌ)vərt-
: in an overt manner : in a way that is open, straightforward, or obvious
an overtly hostile remark
an overtly political message
… the fashion of dumbing down the public discourse was over. Being overtly brainy, simply being oneself, was back in style.—
Elizabeth Drew
Elizabeth DrewIn the late 1860's interest gradually waned in landscape paintings that overtly conveyed nationalistic, philosophical, and religious meanings.—Franklin Kelly
Franklin KellyIt is now easier for French writers to write more overtly about the occupation because their country is now stressing reconciliation, forgiveness for whatever wrongs were done then …—Barbara Probst Solomon
Barbara Probst SolomonExamples of overtly in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This abrupt stylistic shift is in service of an overtly political argument.
—Vadim Rizov, IndieWire, 16 May 2026
The experiment is that AI is being made available nationally and globally, which is either overtly or insidiously acting to provide mental health guidance of one kind or another.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
As the United States has escalated its attacks on Iran, there’s something pleasingly transgressive about bringing Iranian elements into such overtly Western music—so much so that the songs without Yaghmai’s playing seem a little subdued in comparison.
—Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 15 May 2026
The decor with sheepskin rugs and arm lamps for reading lights is neither flashy nor overtly quirky, but simple and homey, as if it were designed by a tasteful Scandinavian grandmother who relocated to the wilds of Patagonia.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overtly
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.
Vadim Rizov, IndieWire, 16 May 2026
The experiment is that AI is being made available nationally and globally, which is either overtly or insidiously acting to provide mental health guidance of one kind or another.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
As the United States has escalated its attacks on Iran, there’s something pleasingly transgressive about bringing Iranian elements into such overtly Western music—so much so that the songs without Yaghmai’s playing seem a little subdued in comparison.
—Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 15 May 2026
The decor with sheepskin rugs and arm lamps for reading lights is neither flashy nor overtly quirky, but simple and homey, as if it were designed by a tasteful Scandinavian grandmother who relocated to the wilds of Patagonia.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overtly
Cite this Entry
“Overtly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overtly. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
