outspoken

1 of 2

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

outspoken

2 of 2

past participle of outspeak

Synonyms of outspoken

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Adjective

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Examples of outspoken in a Sentence

Adjective 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.
Adjective
Americans, Trump at odds over data centers Lawmakers across the country, and on both sides of the political aisle, have become more outspoken against data centers as the national opinion shifts ahead of November's midterm elections. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 Erdogan has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, and the two countries are now both competing for influence in post-Assad Syria. — Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Trump has been an outspoken opponent of any role for the federal government helping with childcare, one of the biggest costs for families. — Brian Mann, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 According to The Times, Menin wasn’t the only newly outspoken critic of the honoree. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outspoken

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1808, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outspoken was circa 1808

Rhymes for outspoken

See All Rhymes for outspoken

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 4 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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