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
ArsTechnica, 19 May 2025
The attention economy is controlled by tech platforms that are indifferent, if not outright hostile, to quality journalism.
—Jessica Sibley, Time, 19 May 2025
Amber Nigam, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Veteran left-handed pitcher Tyler Matzek went through waivers unclaimed, rejected his outright assignment from the New York Yankees and will now head to free agency, the team announced on Monday.
—Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for outright
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Adverb
Instead of dictating stringent requirements to contractors and purchasing the satellites outright, the Space Force will levy fewer requirements and select a commercial company to develop the next generation of GSSAP satellites.
—ArsTechnica, 19 May 2025
The attention economy is controlled by tech platforms that are indifferent, if not outright hostile, to quality journalism.
—Jessica Sibley, Time, 19 May 2025
Adjective
Expect a wave of acquisitions, mergers and even outright closures over the next 24 to 36 months.
—Amber Nigam, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Veteran left-handed pitcher Tyler Matzek went through waivers unclaimed, rejected his outright assignment from the New York Yankees and will now head to free agency, the team announced on Monday.
—Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 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 23 May. 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
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