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

Yet in comparison with other artists and celebrities who’ve widely criticized the president and his policies, Bad Bunny is not all that political or outspoken.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But as a young person, Xenarios was politically energized, daring and outspoken.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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 The 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 The 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 The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• blunt 
• candid 
• forthright 
• strident 
• vocal