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 racist 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

In the late 1860's interest gradually waned in landscape paintings that overtly conveyed nationalistic, philosophical, and religious meanings.

—Franklin Kelly

It 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

Examples of overtly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is exemplified in a mid-season episode that sees Remick and an oncologist played by Rebecca Hall attending a medical charity gala, where the comedic tension arises from contrasting the vapidity of Remick’s job against the more overtly valuable work of medicine. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2025

Pairing a utilitarian staple, like cargo pants, with overtly luxurious piece (such as a vintage fur coat or heritage bag) gives your ’fit a captivating touch of the unexpected. —Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2025

Meanwhile, Black artists were at the time engaged in the project of defining a Black aesthetic, which some claimed ought to be overtly political. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 18 Mar. 2025

Rachel Carson’s Critics Called Her a Witch Livia Gershon February 21, 2019 When Silent Spring was published, the response was overtly gendered. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 3 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overtly

• covertly
• curtly