adjective
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open to view; observable
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law open; deliberate. Criminal intent may be inferred from an overt act
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of overt
1275–1325; Middle English < Old French, past participle of ouvrir to open < Vulgar Latin *ōperīre, for Latin aperīre
Explanation
Overt means open and done in plain sight. An overt demand for an increase in your allowance probably won't work; instead, try praising your parents' generosity and dropping hints about how high prices are these days. If you speak French, remember that overt is the same as the French ouvert "open." If you don't speak French, give up all hope of ever learning this word. Just kidding — forgive the overt attempt at humor. English speakers, here's your trick for remembering the difference between overt and covert: overt = "open"; covert = "covered."
Vocabulary lists containing overt
The Constitution of the United States
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Vocabulary from the Constitution of the United States
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The Kite Runner
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Yes, many do have themes and messages that are overt, or that spark reactions in the masses.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026
But of the many second-generation, political pop efforts, he said Nash's recent recording stands out for being so "overt".
From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who supports Stevens, doesn’t dictate each race, and some of his preferences are made more overt than others.
From Slate ● Jul. 30, 2026
These results were more overt when the analysts factored in class and status dynamics.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 13, 2026
To her relief, there were no further overt visits from the FBI.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
