OPENLY Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

openly

adverb

Definition of openly

as in freely

in a direct and honest way; without hiding feelings or opinions Please feel free to express your opinions openly. The governor has been openly critical of the President.

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of openly The Tate brothers, who openly describe themselves as misogynists, built a global following by promoting a lavish, hypermasculine lifestyle through their social media empire. — Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point reports that veteran foreign jihadists now openly call al-Sharaa a sellout. — Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 Domínguez has emerged as the only candidate openly aligned with CTU, while Biggs, Henderson and Revuluri have taken positions that diverge from the union on several CPS issues. — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026 Riyadh is seeking French technology and infrastructure skills, while Paris is openly welcoming Saudi money. — Inzamam Rashid, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 Blair will be the third openly gay Black member of Congress once sworn in. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Parton was also known for her long history of openly supporting the gay community. — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 There may be some current world leaders who openly admire Franco. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 Around the same time, the general public started to get more comfortable openly criticizing hair brands that didn’t sell products that worked for all hair types and textures. — Ava Welsing-Kitcher, Allure, 24 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for openly

Adverb

The air was already at blood heat outside, and the men were sweating freely.

— Helen Simpson, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
How can anyone be allowed to say this, working for freely given Public Airwaves?

— Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026