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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 Through actively encouraging candid discussions, companies can leverage internal conflict to drive constant innovation and performance improvements. Will Fan, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025 Viewers were able to see a series of candid photos documenting the cat's evolving look. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025 Gomez shared shots of her and Blanco, 37, getting cozy, views from the dock, moments on a boat ride and candid moments of their downtime. Marina Watts, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025 Buschatzke’s candid comments are rare for negotiators involved in the closed-door discussions, though tensions have occasionally flared into the public eye. Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for candid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for candid
Adjective
  • The Baldwins have been a public lightning rod with their outspoken political views and social-media controversies.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • In the September 1967 school board election, voters replaced two incumbent members with candidates who were outspoken opponents of the Oregon Plan.
    Time, Time, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Once again, Attorney General Bonta has failed to perform his fiduciary duty of providing fair and impartial information to the voters.
    Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Primus said in his tenure the STB always strove to be impartial and apolitical.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But all friends need to be honest with each other, to tell each other home truths when it’s needed, to confront those awkward moments without fear of the reaction.
    Steve Sedgwick, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
  • But when those larger firms start to adopt similar habits—open forums, early interventions, honest check-ins—things change fast.
    Stephan Lendi, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • With the actress as the first spokesperson, the program will give women equitable access to menopause support and resources in hopes of ending the stigma surrounding the pivotal stage of life.
    Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Their guidance offers a path to practices that are equitable, competitive and fiscally responsible.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The son of LeBron James, Bronny has heard the nepotism criticisms ever since getting a shot at the NBA, and to be quite frank, some of that has some validity to it.
    Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
  • In the interview, Clegg offered frank remarks on an array of topics related to his six years at Meta.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The New York Federal Reserve’s measure of Global Supply Chain Pressure showed that July’s level of stress decreased, and is approximately now equal to the long-term average.
    George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The rollbacks apply to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, which often help people of color, LGBTQ students and low-income residents have equal access to educational opportunities.
    Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, the forthcoming change in temperature will be welcomed with a sharp shift from almond to square shapes, signaling a Gothic revival that seems to emerge around this time each year.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2025
  • She's also slated to return for the show's forthcoming 29th season.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Candid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/candid. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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