outspoken

adjective

out·​spo·​ken ˌau̇t-ˈspō-kən 

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 gun control

outspokenly adverb

outspokenness

ˌau̇t-ˈspō-kən-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• candid
• direct
• forthcoming
• forthright
• foursquare
• frank
• free-spoken
• freehearted
• honest
• open
• openhearted
• out-front
• plain
• plainspoken
• straight
• straightforward
• unguarded
• unreserved
• up-front

Examples of outspoken in a Sentence

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

She has long been outspoken in calling for a deal to return the hostages, speaking weekly outside the Israel Defense Forces headquarters in Tel Aviv, as well as outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, at the Knesset (Israel’s parliament) and other locations. —Tamar Michaelis and Jennifer Hauser, CNN, 7 Dec. 2024

Trump’s incoming National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Secretary for Homeland Security Kristi Noem, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and FCC Chair Brendan Carr have all been outspoken supporters of a ban. —Emily Baker-White, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

The always blunt and outspoken Melton, who often battled with the Chicago media during his playing days, later became a Sox TV analyst. —Joe Knowles, Chicago Tribune, 5 Dec. 2024

The battery here included 14 people, some of whom, like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, are outspoken Trump allies. —Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1808, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

outspoken

adjective

out·​spo·​ken au̇t-ˈspō-kən 

: direct and open in speech or expression : frank

outspokenness

-kən-nəs 

noun