publicly
5 synonyms and 2 antonyms for publicly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adverb — In a way that is open and visible to everyone, not in private.
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.
Antonyms
How to use publicly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Formed from public plus the adverb suffix -ly.
Full origin of publicly →Frequently asked questions
What does “publicly” mean?
The word “publicly” means in a way that is open and visible to everyone, not in private. In plain terms, out in the open, where everyone can see or hear it.
How do you pronounce “publicly”?
“Publicly” is pronounced PUHB-lihk-lee (/ˈpʌblɪkli/ in IPA).
How do you use “publicly” in a sentence?
Here is “publicly” used in a sentence: “The CEO publicly apologized for the data breach.”
What is the opposite of “publicly”?
The opposite of “publicly” — its antonyms — are privately and secretly.
What part of speech is “publicly”?
“Publicly” is an adverb.
Is “publicly” a common word?
“Publicly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “publicly” have?
“Publicly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a way that is open and visible to everyone, not in private.
Is it spelled "publicly" or "publically"?
The correct spelling is "publicly". "Publically" is a common misspelling and is not accepted in standard English, even though most adverbs formed from adjectives ending in -ic add "-ally".
What is the difference between publicly and openly?
Both describe doing something in a way that is visible rather than hidden. "Publicly" stresses that everyone can see or know about it, often in a formal or official setting, while "openly" simply means without concealment.
When should you use publicly instead of public?
Use "publicly" as an adverb to describe how an action is done, as in "she spoke publicly". Use "public" as an adjective before a noun, as in "a public statement". The -ly ending marks the adverb form.