out·right
ˌau̇t-ˈrīt 
1
: in entirety : completely
rejected the proposal outright
outright refuses to cooperate with law enforcement—
Tim Murphy
Tim Murphy2
: on the spot : instantaneously
was killed outright
3
: without lien (see lien sense 1) or encumbrance (see encumbrance sense 2)
purchased the property outright for cash
4
: without restraint or reservation
laughed outright
cried outright
5
archaic
: straight ahead : directly
out·right
ˈau̇t-ˌrīt
1
a
: being completely or exactly what is stated
an outright lie
b
: given without reservation
outright grants for research
c
: made without encumbrance or lien
an outright sale
2
archaic
: proceeding directly onward
outrightly
adverb
Examples of outright in a Sentence
Adverb
She won the competition outright.
The painting is now owned outright by the museum.
Their house was destroyed outright by the fire.
I bought the car outright.
Adjective
I was surprised by their outright rejection of the idea.
Recent Examples on the Web
Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
Even though Nicklaus did not outright say that McIlroy, Morikawa, and others should speak to the media.
—Kendall Capps, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Troy Finnegan, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
Prominent scientists have quit, citing interference with their work and outright censorship when their findings don’t conform to certain narratives.
—Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for outright
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.
Adverb
Nippon Steel initially wanted to buy U.S. Steel outright, but Trump and Biden both opposed the deal in a bid to win the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania in the 2024 election.
—Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
Even though Nicklaus did not outright say that McIlroy, Morikawa, and others should speak to the media.
—Kendall Capps, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Adjective
After running away with the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, Scheffler has now gone on to win his last eight events when holding an outright 54-hole lead, according to Justin Ray.
—Troy Finnegan, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
Prominent scientists have quit, citing interference with their work and outright censorship when their findings don’t conform to certain narratives.
—Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for outright
Cite this Entry
“Outright.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outright. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
outright
1 of 2 adverb
out·right
(ˈ)au̇t-ˈrīt
1
a
: in entirety : completely
sold outright
b
: without holding back
laughed outright
2
: on the spot : instantaneously
killed outright
outright
2 of 2 adjective
out·right
ˈau̇t-ˌrīt
1
: being exactly what is stated
an outright lie
2
: given without restriction
an outright gift
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share