to speak out

Examples

• All

• The government wants everybody to be scared to speak out.

  JFK (1991)

• What did they tell you is motivating them to speak out despite the risks?

  Human Rights Watch

• Why and when did you initially choose to speak out about it?

  Rob Moore

• And I could speak, speak out and just, you know, my voice was heard.

• Do you really think speaking out might stop him?

  She Said (2022)

• It's nice that you can speak out and represent the people without a voice.

  Anything Goes With James English

• In a way, it's a relief to be able to speak out after all these years.

  Fiction book (1999)

• And I think it's important for white ladies like Pumps and me to speak out about this.

  I've Had It

• And it will get better, but you've got to speak out because we are human.

• If you do not speak out, you're forgotten.

  Harvard University

Synonyms

C

to call out

vsto speak out

152 3.5

To say something loudly so people can hear

focuses on brave expression even when the speaker is not loud

V

to voice

vsto speak out

152 3.2

To say something aloud, especially an opinion or feeling

focuses more on brave openness when the topic is hard

O

to open up

vsto speak out

• Informal

149 2.9

Begin to talk honestly about your thoughts and feelings

is similar but the key implies doing so despite difficulty or risk

S

to speak up

vsto speak out

• Informal

135 3.1

Give your opinion clearly and firmly even when it is difficult

is similar but focuses on overcoming fear rather than assertiveness

M

to make a statement

vsto speak out

125 3.8

To show an opinion in public by what you wear or do

is similar but stresses personal openness rather than attention seeking

P

to protest

vsto speak out

93 2.8

To say firmly that you are not guilty

is less formal and more about personal courage to speak openly

V

to vent

vsto speak out

61 4.1

To show strong feelings, especially when angry

is broader and can include calm brave expression, not only anger

A

to air

vsto speak out

46 3.7

To express an opinion or complaint publicly

adds emotional courage and personal risk to merely making them known

E

to express feelings

vsto speak out

38 3.4

Show or say your emotions to other people

emphasizes doing this openly and without fear rather than general sharing

P

to pour out

vsto speak out

• Informal

33 3.9

To tell someone your feelings and thoughts freely

is similar but highlights bravery when the content is difficult to say

O

to opine

vsto speak out

24 7.9

To say what you think about something

is more about brave, open expression when doing so may be hard

M

to make a stand

vsto speak out

23 4.6

Publicly say you strongly agree or disagree with something

is more about openly sharing feelings or opinions without the firmness

S

to speak one's mind

vsto speak out

• Informal

21 3.5

Say what you think openly

is broader, adding bravery when the speech may be difficult

G

to give voice

vsto speak out

15 4.3

To put thoughts or feelings into words

stresses doing this despite risk or fear rather than merely wording them

V

to voice opinion

vsto speak out

15 3.2

To say your thoughts or views aloud in public

emphasizes speaking despite difficulty rather than formal expression

S

to sound off

vsto speak out

• Informal

9 7.0

To say your opinion or complain loudly and openly

is similar but usually calmer and mainly concerned with fearlessness

S

to speak openly

vsto speak out

7 3.4

Talk honestly without hiding facts or feelings

adds the sense of courage when speaking about difficult topics

V

to voice concern

vsto speak out

• Formal

7 3.9

Speak in public to say you are worried about something

is broader, covering any open opinion or feeling, not only worries

R

to raise one's voice

vsto speak out

5 3.4

Speak more loudly, often because you are angry or want to be heard

is about open expression despite difficulty, not about loudness

A

to avow

vsto speak out

• Formal

4 7.6

To say something openly, often in a formal way

is less formal and stresses personal courage rather than ceremony

V

to ventilate

vsto speak out

• Formal

4 5.3

Express strong feelings or complaints openly

is nearly the same but adds the personal courage element

S

to stand up and be counted

vsto speak out

3 6.3

To publicly show support, often when doing so is risky

is broader, covering any open opinion, not only public support actions

G

to give vent

vsto speak out

1 6.5

To express strong feelings such as anger or sadness

focuses on open opinion or feelings shared despite fear, not just release

G

to get on one's soapbox

vsto speak out

• Informal

8.1

Speak for a long time in a strong way about your opinions to others

covers shorter, riskier open statements rather than long public speeches

Antonyms

K

to keep quiet

90 2.5

To say nothing or not tell a secret

S

to suppress

88 5.8

To hold back feelings or reactions

How Vocal

to denounce

• Formal

115 6.8

to speak out

220 3.4

to speak up

43 2.0

to raise

∞ 3.2

to keep quiet

90 2.5

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology