outspoken

American

[out-spoh-kuhn] / ˈaʊtˈspoʊ kən /

adjective

uttered or expressed with frankness or without reserve.

outspoken criticism.
free or unreserved in speech.

Antonyms:

taciturn

verb

past participle of outspeak.

outspoken British

/ ˌaʊtˈspəʊkən /

adjective

candid or bold in speech
said or expressed with candour or boldness

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See frank ¹.

Other Word Forms

outspokenly adverb
outspokenness noun
unoutspoken adjective

Etymology

Origin of outspoken

First recorded in 1800–10; out- + spoken

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.

Dimon, the outspoken, longtime JPMorgan boss, has repeatedly warned investors of market and economic turbulence that hasn’t always come to pass.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

At a moment when much of the tech industry would rather not talk politics, Google executive Jeff Dean has been a rare outspoken voice—even on issues that hit close to home.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

Palantir’s Karp has been outspoken about his support for the use of AI for American military purposes.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

As the artist moved into middle age, his prolific creative output continues, if anything with works that are more outspoken and political than earlier pieces.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

He admired her for being outspoken and different, but he did not seem able to see beneath that.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023