outspoken

American  

[out-spoh-kuhn] / ˈaʊtˈspoʊ kən /

adjective

1. uttered or expressed with frankness or without reserve.

   outspoken criticism.

2. free or unreserved in speech.

   Antonyms:

   taciturn

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verb

1. past participle of outspeak.

outspoken British  

/ ˌaʊtˈspəʊkən /

adjective

1. candid or bold in speech

2. said or expressed with candour or boldness

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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

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

Verstappen is the most outspoken of the drivers about the new rules, but he is far from the only one unhappy.

From BBC

He is one of Europe’s most outspoken critics of Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

From The Wall Street Journal

Sandberg has been one of the most outspoken advocates for women in business, particularly when her book “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” published in 2013.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Related Words

• blunt
• candid
• forthright
• strident
• vocal