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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 Frankie, who’s become a social media favorite for his cheeky charm and candid appearances in Fleetwood’s posts, finally got his wish. Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025 This candid approach vividly unspools the conflict at its center, concerning a dispute between neighbors in 2023 that ended in murder. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Oct. 2025 The goal is to explore the dispute through candid, off-the-record conversation. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2025 Polished and perfect are out, and candid and messy are in. Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for candid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for candid
Adjective
  • In her later years, she became known as an outspoken activist for animal rights and for voicing strong, controversial opinions — such as denouncing the #MeToo movement in 2018.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
  • As Hollywood has grown more outspoken in recent months about the situation in the Middle East, the challenges of convincing its distributors — the lifelines that can take movies from obscurity to national recognition — remain.
    Rebecca Keegan, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Our reviews are impartial and our opinions are our own.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2025
  • In a supporting document filed by Kalshi in the Nevada case in April, Kalshi head of markets Xavier Sottile noted how ErisX, a predecessor to the current sports prediction market craze, previously butted up against the impartial access issue.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • When his father’s milestone birthday arrived, the teen saw an opportunity to be brutally honest.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Other marketing, the kind of stuff that people who would need to seek out (like, oh, big fans of Bruce) is more honest, like this featurette all about Cooper’s approach to this specific time in The Boss’ life and career.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Probitkin said Jefferson Health's goal is to maintain an equitable relationship with UnitedHealthcare with fair reimbursement levels that will benefit patients and enable LVHN to continue providing the highest quality of care, regardless of insurer.
    Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Nikolai Vitti, superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools Community District, wrote that the next mayor can lobby at the state level for more equitable funding for public schools.
    Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Sources who witnessed this, speaking anonymously to protect their position like others consulted for this article, say there was a frank exchange between players, with particular criticism aimed at junior members of the squad over their attitude and application in the build-up.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
  • As Love Chant comes out, Dando is still promoting Rumors of My Demise, a frank and illuminating account of his eventful life co-written with Jim Ruland.
    Gary Graff, Billboard, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The show is equal parts investigation into the craft of writing and conversation about the topics of an author’s work.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Madrid enters the match in strong form, with Jude Bellingham continuing to be the driving force from midfield, contributing goals and creativity in equal measure.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Nuno will hope to draw inspiration ahead of forthcoming fixtures against Newcastle United and Burnley at home, Bournemouth away and then the visit to the London Stadium of Liverpool.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • With the forthcoming holiday episode of the TV show to come and more teased launches from her lifestyle brand As Ever, expect to see more of Meghan Markle and her trusty neutrals.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Candid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/candid. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on candid

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