overtly

adverb

: in an overt manner : in a way that is open, straightforward, or obvious
an overtly hostile 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.
The 4-4 tie vote automatically left in place an Oklahoma Supreme Court decision that barred overtly religious charter schools from from being funded by the taxpayers. — Nina Totenberg, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026 This kind of rhetoric is why many sports fans don't care to support A'ja Wilson, and many other WNBA players, who have either implied, or overtly stated, that Fever fans are hateful. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026 These anti-Haitian attitudes reflect the overtly racial overtones of the immigration debate. — Kendall Medford, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026 And while there are plenty of overtly Halloween pieces, the best finds don’t feel like novelty decorations. — Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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