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outspoken Definition

out·spo·ken (o̵ut′spōkən, o̵utspō′kən)

adjective

  1. unrestrained in speech; frank
  2. spoken boldly or candidly

outspoken Related Forms
out′·spo·kenly adverb out′·spo·ken·ness noun
outspoken Synonyms

outspoken

modif.

frank, blunt, candid, artless; see abrupt 2, frank. See syn. study at frank.

outspoken Usage Examples

Preposition: about

  • genocide: It should be a national embarrassment that MTV is more outspoken about genocide than our president " New York Times ( 17 April ).

Preposition: on

  • issue: Former chancellor Nigel Lawson has been outspoken on the issue.
  • matter: She said she was known to be outspoken on the matter.

Preposition: against

  • war: He is equally outspoken against the war in Iraq.

Modifies a noun

  • critic: He was an outspoken critic of two laws curbing press freedom that were passed by the national assembly on the eve of his murder.
  • proponent: Anthony Giddens, the sociologist, has been one of the most outspoken proponents of the argument for a Third Way.
  • opponent: However, by 1917 he had become an outspoken opponent of the war.
  • columnist: Perhaps the Purley Gazette & Advertiser is looking for an outspoken columnist.
  • advocate: On the outbreak of war in Europe in 1939, Stimson was an outspoken advocate of support for the Allies against Nazi Germany.
  • criticism: Too outspoken criticism would only lead to problems, dismissal, imprisonment, confining in a mental home.

Modifying Another Word

  • politically: He is politically outspoken early on -- against slavery, for the Irish.
  • quite: You're known for being quite outspoken with some of your comments.
  • too: Individuals who have been too outspoken can be punished in various ways.
  • very: Sophia is from Sicily, and is a very outspoken old lady who's mouth often lands her in trouble with daughter Dorothy.
  • so: I don't think he would be quite so outspoken if Bally was playing.
  • equally: He is equally outspoken against the war in Iraq.

Used with adjective complement

  • become: That's why I've recently had greater courage to become more outspoken on this particular issue.
  • remain: Yet despite working with many of the movers and shakers he has always retained his edge and remained distinctly outspoken through his ground-breaking work.