Synonyms of candid

candid

adjective

ˈkan-dəd 

1

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

• outspoken
• honest
• frank
• forthcoming
• forthright
• straightforward
• vocal
• direct
• unguarded
• open
• up-front
• unreserved
• blunt
• plainspoken
• plain
• openhearted
• out-front
• straight
• earnest
• sincere
• free-spoken
• real
• naive
• guileless
• ingenuous
• unaffected
• outgoing
• uninhibited
• artless
• unpretentious
• freehearted
• unpretending
• foursquare
• innocent
• vociferous
• rude
• gruff
• brusque
• unrestrained
• curt
• natural
• abrupt
• tactless
• undiplomatic
• thoughtless
• crusty
• bluff
• ungracious
• sharp
• impolite
• impertinent
• undesigning
• unsubtle
• inconsiderate
• unmannerly
• uncivil

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• restrained
• quiet
• inhibited
• laconic
• reticent
• reserved
• ambiguous
• unforthcoming
• evasive
• uncandid
• taciturn
• diplomatic
• tactful
• uncommunicative
• equivocal
• dissembling
• circuitous
• civil
• polite
• courteous
• politic
• tight-lipped
• close-mouthed
• considerate

2

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

• impartial
• equitable
• equal
• unbiased
• objective
• disinterested
• dispassionate
• indifferent
• square
• unprejudiced
• frank
• evenhanded
• nonpartisan
• fair
• just
• forthright
• straightforward
• balanced
• reasonable
• open
• rational
• straight

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• partial
• partisan
• unjust
• biased
• inequitable
• deceptive
• dishonest
• deceitful
• unreasonable
• one-sided
• arbitrary
• nonobjective
• prejudiced
• unconscionable
• ex parte
• colored
• parti pris
• jaundiced
• unfriendly
• unsympathetic
• distorted
• warped

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

Recent Examples of candid

The chair of the university’s Department of Sociology, Wayne Brekhus, was recorded in what appears to be a candid conversation with a prospective student asking about the university’s DEI programs. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026

Instead, Cunningham introduced the new show as a place for candid basketball discussions. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Aaron Rodgers ripped into Shailene Woodley for being the reason their relationship ended in a candid conversation about the breakdown of their engagement. — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026

In a candid interview, Wachowski spoke with Variety about her new studio, trans rights and a whole lot more. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026