overt

adjective

ō-ˈvərt  ˈō-(ˌ)vərt 

: open to view : manifest

overt hostility

overt symptoms of the disease

overt discrimination

both overt and covert military action

overtness noun

Examples of overt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to roll out the red carpet for the eventual arrival of the X-Men on screen, and Captain America: Brave New World contains one of its most overt nods yet. —Nick Romano, EW.com, 13 Feb. 2025

Coupled with this week’s overt visual reference to the mind passage in Being John Malkovich, the moment left me wondering if Natalie might have a passenger in her brain. —Erin Qualey, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2025

The most overt rival is The People’s Bid for TikTok, a group formed by billionaire Frank McCourt in partnership with his nonprofit organization Project Liberty; He’s been joined by Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary. —William Gavin, Quartz, 27 Jan. 2025

However, even in the absence of overt emotional expression, simple activities can help facilitate emotional release. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from past participle of ovrir to open, from Vulgar Latin *operire, alteration of Latin aperire

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

overt

adjective

ō-ˈvərt  ˈō-(ˌ)vərt 

: open to view : not secret

overt hostility

overtly adverb

overtness noun

Medical Definition

overt

adjective

ō-ˈvərt, ˈō-ˌvərt also ˈō-vərt

: open to view : readily perceived

overt behavior

overtly adverb