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 Shields pointed to a candid discussion of margin pressures at BNSF Railway and management's strategy at the shipping line as enhancing Abel's credibility. —

Yun Li, CNBC, 4 May 2026 Commencement speeches are meaningful opportunities for candid and charismatic expression within a community. —

Aileen Favilla, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026 Left Arrow Right Arrow Another candid confession from Jerry O’Connell backfired fast as critics seized on the actor’s remarks about his teenage daughters’ partying and vaping habits. —

Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026 Mouhamadou Fall, one of 12 siblings in a Parisian family, is candid about the appeal. —

Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for candid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for candid

Adjective

Rex Reed, the prominent and outspoken film critic and journalist known for his longtime column in The New York Observer, died Tuesday.

— CBS News, CBS News, 12 May 2026
Call it another twist in the story of an accidental heartthrob turned self-effacing star — or simply the irony of teller and tale — but despite his discomfort with visibility, Arlaud has become one of the most outspoken left-wing voices in contemporary French cinema.

— Ben Croll, IndieWire, 12 May 2026