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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 Scheffler’s candid remarks came at the end of a 25-minute press conference following his practice round at the Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. Stephanie Gallman Jordan, Southern Living, 16 July 2025 An Unexpected Injury In a candid post on her X account, Bennett explained the unusual circumstances of her injury. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025 Hathaway has been candid about her motherhood journey, which began with her eldest in 2016. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 7 July 2025 Recruit two to three marketing professionals from outside your sector who will inspire bold thinking and provide candid feedback. Lynn Godfrey, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for candid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for candid
Adjective
  • Maher is often outspoken about normalizing all body types.
    Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • Several of Sanchez's teammates, specifically Trea Turner, Nick Castellanos and JT Realmuto were very outspoken about the decision to add Misiorowski over Sanchez.
    Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Nearly seven in 10 Americans doubt that the Supreme Court is impartial when making decisions.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
  • The co-defendants argued that keeping the trial in Nelson County would impede their rights to a fair and impartial trial because the publicity and news coverage the case has received could lead to a prejudiced jury pool.
    Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Be honest about systems that are no longer serving their purpose.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The production noted how the work has continued to resonate with readers over the past decade, for its honest depiction of trauma recovery and the power of self-empowerment and love.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Walsh adds that these issues won’t be solved without more equitable access to childcare for working-class families.
    ​Wendy Wisner, Parents, 21 July 2025
  • The fact is that allowing customer data to flow, under an equitable arrangement, is good not only for banks and fintechs but for society as a whole.
    David G.W. Birch, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • The day after the France loss, the England players and staff had frank and open conversations.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 12 July 2025
  • The show, which drew controversy for its frank portrayal of womanhood and predominantly white cast, ran for six seasons and picked up a pair of Primetime Emmy Awards.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Warrior mindset: Being fair means treating everyone with equal respect and navigating situations with some thought and judgment.
    Marek Niedzwiedz, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Breakthroughs for the global game have also included the equal pay deal agreed stateside in 2022 by US Soccer, and a five-year rights agreement with broadcasters Sky Sports and the BBC for the English Women's Soccer League starting 2025 which is set to give unprecedented reach to matches.
    Jenni Reid, CNBC, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • To clarify settlement policy, the agencies could also consider issuing a new joint policy statement on merger remedies (Chairman Ferguson has indicated that one is forthcoming).
    Alden Abbott, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Sure, who had recently survived a life-threatening illness, hinted that more revelations were forthcoming in his memoir.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Candid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/candid. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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