CANDID Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

candid

adjective

ˈkan-dəd

Definition of candid next

as in outspoken

free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions my grandmother was a candid woman who never hesitated to say exactly what was on her mind

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in impartial

marked by justice, honesty, and freedom from bias a candid listing of the advantages and disadvantages of each medical insurance plan

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 In a candid interview with The Athletic, the 22-year-old laid out a harrowing account of what followed one of the most controversial decisions in recent Winter Olympics history. —

Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 19 Feb. 2026 What’s trending is TikTok/Instagram influenced trends like Pearlcore, candid flash photography, and multiple outfits changes. —

Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026 The season 2 premiere features a candid conversation with Mayor Andre Dickens on Atlanta’s status as a Black mecca. —

Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 18 Feb. 2026 Great for capturing candid shots. —

Tantse Walter, Space.com, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for candid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for candid

Adjective

Glenn is an outspoken mental health and LGBTQ+ advocate.

— Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 17 Feb. 2026
Readers will remember Carano from being fired from The Mandalorian after her outspoken conservative views ruffled feathers on social media.

— Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 17 Feb. 2026