adjective
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open to view; observable
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law open; deliberate. Criminal intent may be inferred from an overt act
Other Word Forms
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."
Vocabulary lists containing overt
The Constitution of the United States
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Vocabulary from the Constitution of the United States
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The Kite Runner
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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.
Nowhere was this more successful than in Operation Overt, which came a year after 7/7.
From BBC • Jul. 6, 2025
Overt oak flavors can clash with many foods, and oak tannins can be more obtrusive than grape tannins.
From New York Times • Nov. 4, 2021
Shortly afterward, Strouse wrote a fascinating post for a blog called Overt Action about the pitfalls of running for office as a CIA alumnus:
From Washington Post • Oct. 18, 2017
Overt displays of racism and other forms of discrimination have become less acceptable in Britain.
From The Guardian • Aug. 5, 2017
“I’ll do whatever you tell me,” Overt said, deeply attentive.
From The Lesson of the Master by James, Henry
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
