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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Recent Examples of openly
Pimentel argued the school failed to intervene despite students openly discussing the security guard's behavior.
—
Peter D'oench, CBS News, 12 June 2026
That includes making the connection between gender-balanced leadership and business results explicit, ensuring women have a seat at the table in core decision-making roles, and sharing progress openly with employees, investors, and prospective hires.
—Liz Elting, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Pete Davidson and former NFL player Brandon Marshall are two of the few male public figures who have spoken openly about having the condition.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 11 June 2026
Lee audibly choked up during songs, and fans openly wept during the Peart tributes.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 10 June 2026
Some National Science Board members openly questioned these changes.
—Remy Dou, The Conversation, 10 June 2026
Others openly resisted the effort.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 June 2026
For his part, Merz has openly questioned whether developing a manned sixth-generation fighter jet still made sense for his country’s air force, and said Germany did not need a nuclear-capable jet that could land on an aircraft carrier.
—CNN Money, 9 June 2026
Smith has spent more than a year openly flirting with a potential 2028 presidential run.
—Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026
Peter D'oench, CBS News, 12 June 2026
That includes making the connection between gender-balanced leadership and business results explicit, ensuring women have a seat at the table in core decision-making roles, and sharing progress openly with employees, investors, and prospective hires.
—Liz Elting, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Pete Davidson and former NFL player Brandon Marshall are two of the few male public figures who have spoken openly about having the condition.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 11 June 2026
Lee audibly choked up during songs, and fans openly wept during the Peart tributes.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 10 June 2026
Some National Science Board members openly questioned these changes.
—Remy Dou, The Conversation, 10 June 2026
Others openly resisted the effort.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 June 2026
For his part, Merz has openly questioned whether developing a manned sixth-generation fighter jet still made sense for his country’s air force, and said Germany did not need a nuclear-capable jet that could land on an aircraft carrier.
—CNN Money, 9 June 2026
Smith has spent more than a year openly flirting with a potential 2028 presidential run.
—Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for openly
Adverb
-
The Glen Canyon Institute and canyon activists for years have argued that Lake Powell should be drained and the Colorado River allowed to again flow freely through Glen Canyon.—
Elise Schmelzer,
Denver Post,
7 June 2026
-
The extra water allows laundry to agitate more freely during the wash cycle, which can be helpful with bulky items.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
6 June 2026
Adverb
-
Basically, no matter how soap-y the show gets, Akerman permits the audience to buy into and sincerely enjoy the Hunting Wives ridiculousness.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
-
Take a few extra moments to double-check your space, thank your host sincerely, and leave on a warm, unhurried note.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Openly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/openly. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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