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

Perhaps the dismay of his own fans will prove to be a corrective; in reaction to his latest wave of pro-Nazi rhetoric and overt Holocaust denialism, Reddit’s r/Kanye sub declared itself over and began filling with Holocaust awareness posts (and, more humorously, odes to Taylor Swift). —Aja Romano, Vox, 7 Feb. 2025

In the months leading up to his first court appearance on August 6, the documentary shows an overt trend among members of the media, public, and former and current NBA players voicing their support for Bryant. —Matias Grez, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025

CoT may not have featured as an overt theme at either the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) or National Retail Federation (NRF) Big Show, two of the largest industry trade shows in January. —Beth Ann Kaminkow, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

As the second presidency of Donald J. Trump begins, America’s largest banks and asset managers have abandoned one of the most overt symbols of their commitment to reaching green goals: climate action networks. —Eshe Nelson, New York Times, 20 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