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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 Vance on Wednesday night wrote a candid and emotional post on social platform X about his relationship with Kirk, starting when the Turning Point USA co-founder reached out to him in 2017 after an appearance on Fox News. Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 11 Sep. 2025 The Bargain Block star and his co-host and partner Evan Thomas shared that their show had not been renewed after five seasons in a candid post on Instagram in June. Stacy Lambe, People.com, 11 Sep. 2025 This is a candid memoir of vulnerability and courage, humility and purpose, mistakes and learning—a singular tale of the trials, tribulations, and hope to be found in a life dedicated to the pursuit of truth. Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Sep. 2025 Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson is getting candid about his health. Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for candid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for candid
Adjective
  • Prince Harry and his father, King Charles III, have reunited amid the royal family's estrangement from the outspoken prince.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Lucy Liu has been quite outspoken in recent years, calling out the unjust treatment of women and the paucity of roles for non-white actors in Hollywood, and advocating for the rights of children through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), among other relevant topics.
    Brett Berk, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For a longer journey, Johnson is impartial to his Osprey Aether pack for its airscape back panels, floating lids, and signature Fit on the Fly adjustments.
    Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Our department is committed to a thorough and impartial review.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Simmons is a shell of his former self as a playmaker and was never able to develop a jump shot to at least keep defenses honest.
    Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
  • And being honest about that helped build long-term trust.
    Greg Peters, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Civil rights leaders criticized the federal government at the time for failing to prioritize equitable access in communities of color.
    Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
  • These include helping your family, helping your group, demonstrating reciprocity, demonstrating bravery, respecting a hierarchy and your superiors, dividing resources in an equitable way and respecting ownership of property.
    Tracy Brower, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • To be frank, that was unexpected.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • If there’s still a coffee mark, mix powder laundry detergent with equal parts water and white vinegar to make a paste.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Though The Blackening is laugh-out-loud funny, its sharp writing makes for equal parts horror and humor, rarely letting its tension rest for a second.
    Yasmeen Hamadeh, PEOPLE, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • While details are still forthcoming about Robinson’s background and motive, both of his parents have Utah hunting licenses.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • But with the ’80s opulent glam styles trending on fall winter 2025’s runways, expect to see more studded and sequin-delighting dresses across the forthcoming awards season.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Candid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/candid. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on candid

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