outspoken

[ out-spoh-kuhn ]

adjective

1. uttered or expressed with frankness or without reserve:

   outspoken criticism.

2. free or unreserved in speech.

   Antonyms: taciturn

verb

1. past participle of outspeak.

outspoken

/ ˌaʊtˈspəʊkən /

adjective

1. candid or bold in speech
2. said or expressed with candour or boldness

Derived Forms

• ˌoutˈspokenness, noun

Other Words From

• outspoken·ly adverb
• outspoken·ness noun
• unout·spoken adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of outspoken¹

First recorded in 1800–10; out- + spoken

Synonym Study

See frank ¹.

Example Sentences

This was particularly notable in a reading of the libretto for a proposed new opera by Ted Hearn, one of our most politically outspoken composers, based on Ursula K Le Guin’s “The Dispossessed.”

From Los Angeles Times

Long an outspoken ally of Trump's, Gaetz was the subject of an ongoing ethics investigation in the House of Representatives into allegations of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use and misuse of campaign funds.

From BBC

Macron has been described as pursuing a zigzag in his approach to the Middle East, as in many other domains, flipflopping inconsistently between outspoken statements of support for Israel and then its Arab neighbours.

From BBC

Hegseth has been an outspoken opponent of what he has referred to as "woke" policies within the US military and its leadership.

From BBC

Since Hamas's 7 October attack, she has become one of the most outspoken supporters of Israel in Congress, garnering national attention as she led congressional hearings about university presidents' handling of protests on college campuses.

From BBC

Related Words

• blunt
• candid
• forthright
• strident
• vocal