overtly

adverb

overt·​ly ō-ˈvərt-lē How to pronounce overtly (audio)
ˈō-(ˌ)vərt-
: in an overt manner : in a way that is open, straightforward, or obvious
an overtly racist remark
an overtly political message
… the fashion of dumbing down the public discourse was over. Being overtly brainy, simply being oneself, was back in style.Elizabeth Drew
In the late 1860's interest gradually waned in landscape paintings that overtly conveyed nationalistic, philosophical, and religious meanings.Franklin Kelly
It is now easier for French writers to write more overtly about the occupation because their country is now stressing reconciliation, forgiveness for whatever wrongs were done then …Barbara Probst Solomon

Examples of overtly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Run clubs that aren’t overtly for singles but are, tbh, really for singles! Matt Gross, Outside Online, 14 May 2025 But in theory India could potentially either covertly or overtly restrict the water flow from Indus River system to Pakistan if tensions do not ease. Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 Unlike President Donald Trump who seems to have the hardest time developing the finessed ways of a seasoned politician, Pritzker became a fast learner of how to overtly and covertly use his riches to buy loyalty or crush those who stand in his way. Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025 But no president has attempted to pressure the Fed as persistently and overtly as Trump. Paul Davidson, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overtly

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overtly was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Overtly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overtly. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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