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

Ruwa Romman, a Georgia state representative and outspoken progressive, is taking an affordability agenda to the Peach State in her bid for governor.

Read more on Salon

"If you are outspoken, black, and playing to that kind of level and not caring, that frightens certain people," said Wright, who scored nine goals in 33 England appearances.

Read more on BBC

Lai, an outspoken defender of Taiwan's sovereignty and detested by China, has accused Beijing of "severely" affecting regional peace in the escalating spat.

Read more on Barron's

Former colleagues describe Lucas as outspoken, dedicated and smart.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The politicians told Salon they attribute their defeats to their outspoken opposition to the far-right’s push to restrict abortion in the state.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• blunt 
• candid 
• forthright 
• strident 
• vocal