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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 The athlete has been candid about her recovery process, sharing an entire playlist of videos dedicated to the injury on TikTok. Jane Lacroix, People.com, 21 June 2025 Boucek always wanted to be a mother and was candid about her willingness to push basketball aside to become one. Shaquille Brewster, NBC news, 19 June 2025 Tua, who went through a similar situation in 2024, was candid in his support for Smith and brutally blunt in his analysis of how an agent (in this case, Drew Rosenhaus) might be handling the situation. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2025 In the late 1960s, the candid nature of Sly’s lyrics — expressing deep emotions and struggles — was not something many in the Black community were prepared to confront, as survival took precedence over vulnerability. Ahmir "questlove" Thompson, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for candid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for candid
Adjective
  • Newsom, however, was an outspoken opponent of the proposition.
    George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025
  • The Democratic lawmakers have been outspoken critics of conditions at the centers amid concerns over overcrowding and detainee deaths.
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • The government said that independence requirement merely means the task force is supposed to make recommendations based on their impartial medical and public-health judgments.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 June 2025
  • The court determined that prosecutors with the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office made procedural errors during the trial that undermined the jury’s ability to reach an impartial verdict.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • My advice is to conduct an honest assessment of your team's capabilities relative to migration requirements.
    AJ Bubb, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Ananda Lewis’ voice cut through silence like light through mist—bold, unwavering, and luminously honest.
    Essence, Essence, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • As new federal and state regulations favor local data and AI with human oversight, there has never been a better—or more urgent—moment to make the U.S. the global standard for secure, resilient, and equitable healthcare administration in the era of agentic AI.
    Vlad Panin, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • This year's honor roll comes at a critical time, as hospitals work to maintain equitable care amid potential Medicaid cuts, rising costs and ongoing workforce challenges.
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • People drawn to the Mütter often share a frank, forensic fascination with the human body and the stranger aspects of science.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
  • The result is an intimate, melancholy, frank, and surprising paean to reading and books.
    Donna Seaman June 18, Literary Hub, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • The second shoe was roughly equal to a U.S. men's size 14, which impressed the volunteers.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
  • Under the blistering sun, protesters demanded equal rights for trans and gender-nonconforming people.
    William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • From there, Misner created a sketch, and the look in question became the outfit for the London screening of Dunham’s forthcoming return to TV, rom-com Too Much.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 24 June 2025
  • The Senate Banking Committee's subcommittee on digital assets will hold a hearing on the forthcoming bill at 3 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
    Emily Wilkins, CNBC, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Candid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/candid. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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