plainspoken

adjective

plain·​spo·​ken ˈplān-ˈspō-kən How to pronounce plainspoken (audio)
Synonyms of plainspokennext
: candid, frank
plainspokenness
ˈplān-ˈspō-kən-nəs How to pronounce plainspoken (audio)
noun

Synonyms of plainspoken

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Examples of plainspoken in a Sentence

a plainspoken woman who never hesitated to speak the unvarnished truth
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.
Like his wife, Imler is plainspoken and believes in cutting to the chase. — Melanie Thernstrom, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 The plainspoken lyrics align with a broader embrace of sincerity, privileging emotional directness over irony. — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 14 Apr. 2026 Her onstage persona is reminiscent of a battering ram — plainspoken, combative, and staccato. — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026 In emotional, plainspoken lines, Bidart reflects on growing up gay in mid-twentieth-century America. — JSTOR Daily, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for plainspoken

Word History

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of plainspoken was in 1678

Rhymes for plainspoken

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Browse Nearby Words

plainsong
plainspoken
plainstanes
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Cite this Entry

“Plainspoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plainspoken. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

plainspoken

adjective
plain·​spo·​ken -ˈspō-kən How to pronounce plainspoken (audio)
: speaking or spoken frankly
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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