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

This is quite ironic, considering the fact that, in real life, Rossellini is an outspoken advocate for embracing aging. —Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 5 Jan. 2025

Cheney, an outspoken critic of Trump, has long found herself at the center of the former president’s ire. —Sophia Vento, The Hill, 3 Jan. 2025

The deposition, which occurred back in 2020, is the latest tirade by West to garner headlines, as the rapper’s infamously defiant personality and outspoken nature have resulted in several unforgettable soundbites throughout his illustrious career. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 2 Jan. 2025

Prince William has long been an outspoken Villa fan, and his eldest son Prince George, 11, has joined his father in the fandom. —Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 30 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