overt

American  

[oh-vurt, oh-vurt] / oʊˈvɜrt, ˈoʊ vɜrt /

adjective

1. open to view or knowledge; not concealed or secret.

   overt hostility.

   Synonyms:

   public, apparent, manifest, plain

   Antonyms:

   private

2. Heraldry. (of a device, as a purse) represented as open.

   a purse overt.

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overt British  

/ əʊˈvɜːt, ˈəʊvɜːt /

adjective

1. open to view; observable

2. law open; deliberate. Criminal intent may be inferred from an overt act

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Other Word Forms

• overtly adverb
• overtness noun
• unovert adjective

Etymology

Origin of overt

1275–1325; Middle English < Old French, past participle of ouvrir to open < Vulgar Latin *ōperīre, for Latin aperīre

Explanation

Overt means open and done in plain sight. An overt demand for an increase in your allowance probably won't work; instead, try praising your parents' generosity and dropping hints about how high prices are these days. If you speak French, remember that overt is the same as the French ouvert "open." If you don't speak French, give up all hope of ever learning this word. Just kidding — forgive the overt attempt at humor. English speakers, here's your trick for remembering the difference between overt and covert: overt = "open"; covert = "covered."

Example Sentences

That distinction between overt and internalised coercion was also referenced by two disabled MSPs – Pam Duncan-Glancy and Jeremy Balfour, both of whom sit as independents and oppose the bill.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

Some young people are now being more overt on their dating profiles, revealing their faces and personal details including names, interests and universities attended.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026

But “Send Help” is more of a psychological exploration than overt class satire, though it does explore the ridiculous notion of what it would be like to be stranded on an island with your boss.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

He does not look to be an isolated internet obsessive with overt ties to white nationalists.

From Slate • Jan. 22, 2026

To her relief, there were no further overt visits from the FBI.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Related Words

• apparent
• definite
• undisguised