Synonyms of candid

candid

adjective

ˈkan-dəd 

1

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

• outspoken
• honest
• frank
• forthcoming
• forthright
• straightforward
• vocal
• direct
• unguarded
• open
• up-front
• unreserved
• blunt
• plainspoken
• plain
• openhearted
• out-front
• straight
• earnest
• sincere
• free-spoken
• real
• naive
• guileless
• ingenuous
• unaffected
• outgoing
• uninhibited
• artless
• unpretentious
• freehearted
• unpretending
• foursquare
• innocent
• vociferous
• rude
• gruff
• brusque
• unrestrained
• curt
• natural
• abrupt
• tactless
• undiplomatic
• thoughtless
• crusty
• bluff
• ungracious
• sharp
• impolite
• impertinent
• undesigning
• unsubtle
• inconsiderate
• unmannerly
• uncivil

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• restrained
• quiet
• inhibited
• laconic
• reticent
• reserved
• ambiguous
• unforthcoming
• evasive
• uncandid
• taciturn
• diplomatic
• tactful
• uncommunicative
• equivocal
• dissembling
• circuitous
• civil
• polite
• courteous
• politic
• tight-lipped
• close-mouthed
• considerate

2

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

• impartial
• equitable
• equal
• unbiased
• objective
• disinterested
• dispassionate
• indifferent
• square
• unprejudiced
• frank
• evenhanded
• nonpartisan
• fair
• just
• forthright
• straightforward
• balanced
• reasonable
• open
• rational
• straight

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• partial
• partisan
• unjust
• biased
• inequitable
• deceptive
• dishonest
• deceitful
• unreasonable
• one-sided
• arbitrary
• nonobjective
• prejudiced
• unconscionable
• ex parte
• colored
• parti pris
• jaundiced
• unfriendly
• unsympathetic
• distorted
• warped

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

Recent Examples of candid

Director Ivan Uryvskyi is candid about how the play recasts the ancient poem’s themes of return and those trapped in exile and captivity. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

The actress has been candid about them not clicking immediately, a story Lindez laughs about now. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026

In our conversation, Billboard’s August 2026 R&B Up-and-Comer TheARTI$t gets candid about the experiences that shaped her, learning to embrace vulnerability, finding community through her music and stepping into a new era of her artistry. — Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026

In a new profile for Who What Wear, the 29-year-old Kylie Cosmetics and Khy co-founder got candid about having kids at a young age. — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026