frankly

adverb

frank·​ly ˈfraŋ-klē 

1

: in a frank manner

spoke frankly

2

: in truth : indeed

Frankly, I don't know.

Synonyms of frankly

• honestly
• actually
• really
• indeed

Examples of frankly in a Sentence

You can speak frankly to us.

frankly, I'd rather stay at home than go to the movies tonight

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite the very real tensions and ramifications of Harry’s decision to go public with his and Meghan’s experiences and criticisms, his prodigal son position is, and frankly, has always been, a boon for the Firm. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Shorties can also get in on summer’s biggest nail trends, like polka dots and butter yellow, because, frankly, those aren’t going anywhere just yet. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 21 Aug. 2026

And there’s just so much nonsense, frankly, and fantastical — bear hunting can be dangerous. — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026

But frankly, who cares about logic or canon when the results are so much madcap fun? — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for frankly

• blankly

Kids Definition

frankly

adverb

frank·​ly ˈfraŋ-klē 

1

: in a frank manner

you can speak frankly to us

2

: to tell the truth

frankly, I don't think it's wise