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

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Recent Examples of candid Such dissembling by the people who are where the buck stops raises doubt that the Pentagon’s final report will be candid. —

Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026 Learning Lines Alone, Performing with a Crowd Radcliffe offered a candid look at his rehearsal process and the contrast between preparing solo and working with an audience. —

Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2026 But Hammond was candid about how much the company has evolved since the R1. —

Kevin Sintumuang, Outside, 13 Mar. 2026 As the spotlight settles on each of them, that person unspools a monologue, a candid account of their origins, their desires and dreams, their galaxy of excuses and explanations. —

Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for candid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for candid

Adjective

Arratia in particular worships at the altar of De la Iglesia whose highly political, outspoken but structured political melodramas, made from the ‘60s to the ‘80s, underscored how Spain’s establishment exploited it young proles, pushed into crime for a lack of real economic alternatives.

— John Hopewell, Variety, 10 Mar. 2026
Always entertaining and joking with those around him, the outspoken American has taken on a showman personality at the Games.

— Tales Azzoni, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026