outright
9 synonyms and 2 antonyms for outright, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Completely and without reservation; entirely.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adv
Completely and without reservation; entirely.
“She rejected the offer outright.”
Opposites
2. adj
Total, complete, or unqualified.
“The election was an outright victory for the incumbent.”
How to use outright
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
outright ban
outright winner
buy outright
Etymology
Came from Middle English outright; on the surface this analyses as out plus right.
Full origin of outright →Frequently asked questions
What does “outright” mean?
The word “outright” means completely and without reservation; entirely. In plain terms, completely and directly, with no half-measures or conditions attached.
How do you pronounce “outright”?
“Outright” is pronounced owt-RYT (/aʊtˈɹaɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “outright” in a sentence?
Here is “outright” used in a sentence: “She rejected the offer outright.”
What part of speech is “outright”?
Depending on how it is used, “outright” can be an adverb and an adjective.
Is “outright” a common word?
“Outright” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “outright” have?
“Outright” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: completely and without reservation; entirely.
What is the difference between outright and outrightly?
Outright is the standard form used as both an adverb and an adjective, as in reject it outright or an outright win. Outrightly is a nonstandard variant that most style guides advise avoiding in favor of outright.
Where does outright go in a sentence when used as an adverb?
As an adverb meaning completely and without reservation, outright typically follows the verb it modifies, such as in deny outright or win outright, though it can also appear before a noun in its adjective form, as in an outright lie.
What is the difference between outright and outright ownership in legal or financial contexts?
In legal or financial use, outright as an adjective means total, complete, or unqualified, so outright ownership means owning something fully with no conditions, loans, or shared claims attached.
