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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 Hunnam is frank and candid in his interview about his career decisions over the past decade, D’Addario reports. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 2 Oct. 2025 Here’s my Thursday piece with Tyreek Hill’s preference for next season, a candid coaching assessment of Kenneth Grant and more. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025 In the over 2-hour interview with Kelce and his co-host, big brother Jason, Swift got candid about her latest release, which comes less than two years after her last album, The Tortured Poets Department. Shannon Carlin, Time, 1 Oct. 2025 Mariah Carey is getting candid about her unreleased grunge album, Someone’s Ugly Daughter. Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for candid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for candid
Adjective
  • No president has ever fired a commissioner, and many commissioners have been outspoken advocates for free speech.
    Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The legendary journalist and author's first husband Jay Monahan died of colon cancer in 1998 which spurred her to be an outspoken advocate and fundraiser for cancer research.
    Kiran Hefa, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Our reviews are impartial and our opinions are our own.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Guterres also announced that nominations were now open for candidates to join the new International Independent Scientific Panel on AI, designed to provide impartial scientific evidence on the impacts of the technology.
    Andrew R. Chow, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Anonymity also allows the scouts to be completely honest, without fear of reprisals.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • At the time, the Times responded by affirming a commitment to honest dialogue and mutual respect among colleagues.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • How can hospitals, clinics and health care workers make sure that breastfeeding support is available to everyone and is equitable?
    Ann Kellams, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Last season, with a more equitable split, Theodore kept up the same level of performance and production.
    The Athletic NHL, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The requirements are very minimal, to be frank.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The episode is sharp, frank and well-paced, a standout among the rest.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And will that move just equal deck chairs on the Titanic?
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Many products claim to fade wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots, but claims don’t always equal results.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • More information about the event is forthcoming, but the neighborhood association has created an online form for interested volunteers.
    Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The question looms large, and forthcoming observations may yet alter our best conclusions thus far.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 3 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Candid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/candid. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on candid

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