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

Other Word Forms

• outspokenly adverb
• outspokenness noun
• unoutspoken adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of outspoken¹

First recorded in 1800–10; out- + spoken

Synonym Study

See frank ¹.

Example Sentences

The outspoken founder of Pershing Square Holdings spoke with WSJ about his mistakes, his anti-DEI crusades and why he still hates to pay for parking.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

He is installing the outspoken journalist as editor in chief of CBS News and empowering her to set the storied news organization’s editorial vision.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

He has preferred being driven around in colorful company cars—not the conventional black—and fashions himself as an outspoken technologist after earning his M.B.A. in Silicon Valley during the 1990s dot-com boom.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

"He was very outspoken, very opinionated," says Match of the Day pundit Shay Given, the former Newcastle goalkeeper who Bellamy lined up with more than any other player during his career.

Read more on BBC

Since then, she has been elected as an MP 10 times, losing only once, and built a reputation as one of the party's most outspoken conservative voices.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• blunt 
• candid 
• forthright 
• strident 
• vocal