outright

adjective

ˈau̇t-ˌrīt How to pronounce outright (audio)
Definition of outrightnext
as in utter
having no exceptions or restrictions that's an outright lie!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 outright Faculty remain split between banning AI tools outright and building them into coursework, treating AI as producing answers to be checked or trusted like collaborators. — Arryn Robbins, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2026 Senator Bolsonaro came out on top in the polarizing first round, but didn’t clinch an outright victory, securing 47% of the vote to 45% for the incumbent, known as Lula. — Constance Malleret, Christian Science Monitor, 5 Oct. 2026 But billionaires have a lot of other assets, held in many ways—outright ownership, partnerships, special companies officially headquartered elsewhere. — Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026 While Europe is not currently grappling with outright shortages, global supplies are tight and prices have soared. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outright
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outright
  1. utter
  2. unconditional
  3. sheer
  4. absolute
  5. complete
  6. pure
  7. total
  8. simple
Adjective
  • Popular at American Chinese or Cajun-style Chinese restaurants, the sticky-sweet chicken is the utter definition of delicious, luring weary shoppers into food courts to find refuge from the bubblegum pink sweatpants and ripped denim.
    — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026
  • There’s a wonderful fraction of a second when the Villa fans in the Holte End have to adjust from impending despair to utter joy.
    — Amitai Winehouse, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of utter
Adjective
  • In 2024, Michigan State launched Rx Kids, the country’s first universal and unconditional prenatal and infant cash program.
    — Mona Hanna, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Once a seller has an unconditional right to receive the proceeds, many planning opportunities may no longer be available.
    — D. Scott Kenik, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of unconditional
Adjective
  • Meaning while its performance numbers may not draw in huge crowds, its sheer exclusivity might just do the trick.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The light turquoise gown was crafted from sheer fabric with floral embroidery throughout the design.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of sheer
Adjective
  • Why were the conspiracy theorists about Courtney Love so inclined to believe the absolute worst about her?
    — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Wilson was an absolute fantasy monster with Harrison off the field last season, so his main concern becomes the inevitable QB switch to rookie Carson Beck.
    — Dalton Del Don, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of absolute
Adjective
  • For more than 50 years, the house remained vacant, was ravaged by fire, and fell into complete disrepair.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Then again, the album’s 15-minute runtime presupposes a complete lasting impression isn’t the point.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of complete
Adjective
  • Cringe may be excruciating, but post-cringe would be pure horror.
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • This gift box contains eight bars, spanning from 58 to 80% cacao, in flavors like banana foster and green tea crunch for the adventurous and pink sea salt or pure cacao, dates, and vanilla for the purists.
    — Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of pure
Adjective
  • Years of convictions for escape, battery and weapons while in prison kept adding time to his total sentence.
    — David Fischer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Similarly, an organization should understand its total financial commitment even when payments are spread over several years.
    — Hani Assi, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of total
Adjective
  • The best power pop is simple, direct, and memorable, in both words and sound.
    — Jeff Yerger, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The lack of close coordination between these simple details undermines the structure’s coherence and intent.
    — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of simple

Browse Nearby Words

outriggers
outright
outrun
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Cite this Entry

“Outright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outright. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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