Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
openly deny
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "openly deny" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is denying something in a straightforward and transparent manner, often in a public context. Example: "The politician chose to openly deny the allegations made against him during the press conference."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Wiki
Encyclopedias
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
They admired Irving for the pro-Nazi slant in his work and the fact that he possessed a degree of mainstream credibility that they lacked, but were annoyed that he did not openly deny the Holocaust.
Wiki
In the wake of the outbreak of the Peninsular War, de Elío created the Junta of Montevideo, which would scrutinise all the orders from Buenos Aires and reserve the right to ignore them, but did not openly deny the authority of the Viceroy or declare Montevideo independent.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
Not everyone acted on this belief, although few openly denied it.
Encyclopedias
According to various German, Hungarian, Slovak, Polish and many other EU government officials, Greece this summer openly denied its responsibility to guard the external borders of Europe.
News & Media
The beginning of the Great Schism in 1378 gave Wycliffe fresh opportunities to attack the papacy, and in a treatise of 1379 on the Eucharist he openly denied the doctrine of transubstantiation.
Encyclopedias
The scandal surrounding the pope's decision in January 2009 to withdraw the excommunication of a bishop who openly denied the Holocaust shattered this euphoria, however, and drove people from the churches again.
Encyclopedias
Boris Johnson once penned a column suggesting snow on his windowsill means we should consider believing climate sceptics over governments and leading scientists across the world, but has not openly denied manmade climate change.
News & Media
Bloomberg suggests that they may be considering it because of some shady restrictions that Google has in place limiting modifications of the platform… even though Google is incredibly clear about any restrictions they have, and has openly denied that any other behind-the-scenes restrictions exist.
News & Media
He openly denied the Holocaust, and called the United States "a farce controlled by dirty, hook-nosed, circumcised Jew bastards".
Wiki
How do we balance manners with a political system that openly denies gay people their rights?
News & Media
But openly denying that our climate is changing is beyond the pale now – at least, everywhere outside the White House.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "openly deny" when you want to emphasize that a denial is made in a straightforward, transparent, and often public manner. This suggests a lack of hesitation or concealment.
Common error
While "openly deny" is appropriate in certain contexts, avoid using it when a simpler "deny" suffices. Overusing the adverb can make your writing sound stilted or repetitive. Consider whether the "openly" adds significant meaning or if it's redundant.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "openly deny" functions as a verb phrase where the adverb "openly" modifies the verb "deny". Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English and indicates that someone is denying something in a straightforward and transparent manner.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Wiki
25%
Encyclopedias
12%
Less common in
Science
6%
Formal & Business
4%
Reference
3%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "openly deny" is grammatically correct and used to emphasize that a denial is made publicly and transparently. Ludwig AI indicates its usability in written English. While not extremely common, it appears across diverse contexts, most notably in News & Media. When you need to emphasize the manner of denial, indicating it's not hidden or hesitant, "openly deny" is fitting. Be mindful of overuse, however, as simplicity often serves best.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
openly refuse
Replaces "deny" with a synonym that emphasizes a refusal to do something.
roundly deny
Adds emphasis to the denial, suggesting it is forceful and complete.
brazenly deny
Highlights the boldness and lack of shame in the denial.
openly reject
Substitutes "deny" with a term that implies a more active dismissal or refusal to accept.
outright deny
Emphasizes that the denial is direct and without reservation.
blatantly deny
Similar to brazenly, highlighting an obvious or flagrant denial.
unequivocally deny
Highlights that there is no confusion with no ambiguity.
explicitly deny
Highlights that there is a formal denial.
freely deny
Highlights that there are no constrains.
clearly deny
Highlights that denial is free of ambiguity.
FAQs
How can I use "openly deny" in a sentence?
You can use "openly deny" when someone is directly and publicly negating something. For example, "The politician chose to "openly deny" the allegations during the press conference."
What's the difference between "openly deny" and "deny"?
"Deny" simply means to state that something is not true. "Openly deny" specifies that the denial is made in a public, transparent, and unashamed manner. The adverb emphasizes the manner of denial.
What can I say instead of "openly deny"?
You can use alternatives like "publicly refute", "blatantly reject", or "categorically deny" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.
Is it always appropriate to use "openly deny"?
No, using "openly deny" is most fitting when the context involves a public statement or action. It's less appropriate in private conversations or when the manner of denial isn't particularly significant.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested