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Synonym Chooser

How is the word candid distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of candid are frank, open, and plain. While all these words mean "showing willingness to tell what one feels or thinks," candid suggests expression marked by sincerity and honesty especially in offering unwelcome criticism or opinion.

a candid appraisal

When would frank be a good substitute for candid?

The synonyms frank and candid are sometimes interchangeable, but frank stresses lack of shyness or secretiveness or of evasiveness from considerations of tact or expedience.

frank discussions

How is open related to other words for candid?

Open implies frankness but suggests more indiscretion than frank and less earnestness than candid.

open in saying what they think

When might plain be a better fit than candid?

The words plain and candid can be used in similar contexts, but plain suggests outspokenness and freedom from affectation or subtlety in expression.

plain talk

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of candid Perry’s unfiltered energy and witty charm Katy Perry’s stage presence is a force of nature, a blend of boundless energy and refreshingly candid wit. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Jeff Hardy Takes The Blame Jeff Hardy was candid about his time in AEW. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025 However, Jassy was candid about the impact on headcount. Fortune Intelligence, Fortune, 1 July 2025 Yzerman was candid about the shortage of potential impact players on the free-agent market this year but said the team will look at the blue line, and will look to add a winger as well — neither of which is surprising. Max Bultman, New York Times, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for candid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for candid
Adjective
  • While Trump was weighing the decision to strike Iran's nuclear sites, Vance came to the president's defense after supporters like Tucker Carlson and those in the MAGA base were outspoken against the U.S. getting involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran.
    Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 5 July 2025
  • Most outspoken were the parents of Kaylee Goncalves, who worked this week to inspire supporters to call the judge, the U.S. Department of Justice and Gov. Brad Little’s office to force Kohberger’s capital murder trial to proceed, in pursuit of a possible death sentence.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Nearly seven in 10 Americans doubt that the Supreme Court is impartial when making decisions.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
  • The co-defendants argued that keeping the trial in Nelson County would impede their rights to a fair and impartial trial because the publicity and news coverage the case has received could lead to a prejudiced jury pool.
    Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Jamie Lee Curtis got honest about her cosmetic procedures in the hopes of dissuading women from making the same mistake.
    Maria Yagoda, People.com, 5 July 2025
  • The appraisal was not crude, but rather honest and profound.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Global Fund is already working with countries, communities and partners to prepare for rapid, equitable rollout — supporting regulatory readiness, delivery infrastructure and community engagement.
    Peter Sands, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Boise’s team has identified housing structures in the Lusk District, near Boise State, and is trying to find ways to create an equitable billing program for the geothermal system, according to Bre Brush, the mayor’s transportation adviser and a member of the team that worked on the proposal.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • This involves frank and open pro-and-con discussions between doctor and patient in which many issues are taken into consideration, including age, race (African-American men are at higher risk), family history, diet and obesity (a high fat diet and too much body fat increase risk).
    Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 3 July 2025
  • People drawn to the Mütter often share a frank, forensic fascination with the human body and the stranger aspects of science.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Some companies are replacing underwater stock options with new option grants or RSUs that have intrinsic value equal to or exceeding their original grants.
    Julia Dhar, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The threat from Musk was an equal response to Trump launching efforts to find primary challengers against Tillis and Massie.
    Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Still, the Trump administration is advertising that a flurry of deals are forthcoming.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 6 July 2025
  • The distant future remains unclear, as a forthcoming restaurant from celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck and famed architect Frank Gehry was meant to take over the location following Riordan’s death in April 2023 — though development has stalled.
    Karla Marie Sanford, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Candid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/candid. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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