plainspoken

adjective

plain·​spo·​ken ˈplān-ˈspō-kən How to pronounce plainspoken (audio)
Synonyms of plainspokennext
plainspokenness noun

Examples of plainspoken in a Sentence

a plainspoken woman who never hesitated to speak the unvarnished truth
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.
Abel will assume responsibility for Berkshire’s annual shareholder letters, a tradition Buffett began in 1965 that became essential reading on Wall Street for its plainspoken lessons on markets, management and capital allocation. Yun Li, CNBC, 1 Jan. 2026 In a genre known for honest and plainspoken storytelling, the group’s members — with their varied talents, experiences and perspectives — work to take the music one step further. Shannon Marie Tovey, AJC.com, 1 Jan. 2026 Accept that the month will be cold and plainspoken. Rafaela Jinich, The Atlantic, 1 Jan. 2026 These poems are plainspoken, emotionally direct, haunted by the past and the inexorability of time. Vince Passaro, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plainspoken

Word History

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of plainspoken was in 1678

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plainspoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plainspoken. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

plainspoken

adjective
plain·​spo·​ken -ˈspō-kən How to pronounce plainspoken (audio)
: speaking or spoken frankly
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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