frank 1 of 3

frank

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noun

frank

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word frank distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of frank are candid, open, and plain. While all these words mean "showing willingness to tell what one feels or thinks," frank stresses lack of shyness or secretiveness or of evasiveness from considerations of tact or expedience.

frank discussions

When is it sensible to use candid instead of frank?

Although the words candid and frank have much in common, candid suggests expression marked by sincerity and honesty especially in offering unwelcome criticism or opinion.

a candid appraisal

How does the word open relate to other synonyms for frank?

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 frank?

The words plain and frank 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 frank
Adjective
However, many of the items on our list — such as seedless watermelon, hamburger buns, skinless beef franks and condiments — can be found at these stores. Evan Moore june 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2025 Joey Chestnut might once again compete in this year’s Fourth of July hot dog contest following last year’s ban due to his sponsorship deal for Impossible Foods’ vegan franks. Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 10 June 2025
Noun
Mailers Both parties also used franking privileges to send mail to constituents. Brittany Carloni, IndyStar, 11 Aug. 2025
Verb
To be frank, without the name value of Hockenson, there’s nothing that would show signs of hope. Steve Bradshaw, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 The frank admission highlights how policymakers are navigating an environment marked by persistent inflation and slowing economic growth, with significant risks on every side. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frank
Adjective
  • No president has ever fired a commissioner, and many commissioners have been outspoken advocates for free speech.
    Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The legendary journalist and author's first husband Jay Monahan died of colon cancer in 1998 which spurred her to be an outspoken advocate and fundraiser for cancer research.
    Kiran Hefa, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The group is still trying to collect enough signatures to see their proposal appear on the ballot in November 2026.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Some models suggest that K2-18b is a hycean world — an ocean planet with a thick atmosphere of hydrogen — and the signature of dimethyl sulfide was detected by the James Webb Space Telescope.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Camping is still an option at Kathleen Lake during the festival, and programming includes campfire talks and hot dog roasts, craft workshops and storytelling, with stargazing sessions led by the Yukon Astronomical Society.
    Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Gray’s Papaya hot dog restaurant in Manhattan has served up beef franks to the hungry and frugal masses for the past five decades.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In 1999, seeing that two Blue Angels crashed and were killed, Latham took it upon himself to mail two copies of poem to the Angels — without expectation of compensation, of course.
    Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Oct. 2025
  • On numerous occasions while awaiting decisions on his postconviction motions, Avery has mailed letters to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals and the state Supreme Court without attorney approval, asking for speedier decisions.
    Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And one Group of 5 staffer was especially honest, politely declining to partake in the survey.
    Grace Raynor, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Daniel Jones has been accurate and efficient, and Jonathan Taylor continues to be a workhorse in the backfield, breaking through tackles and keeping defenses honest.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For several decades, Karl Ratzsch's Restaurant served as a downtown Milwaukee landmark for both locals and visitors hungry for wiener schnitzel, sauerbraten, and other German foods.
    Tom Daykin, jsonline.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • There will be a German costume contest, wiener toss challenge and other German games.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • All streets between Vernor, I-75 Service Drive and Woodmere, unless otherwise posted.
    Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Tesla's strong performance wasn't surprising, with Ford posting record EV sales in the same period and GM seeing sales double, but analysts cautioned that good times may not last now that the $7,500 tax credit has expired.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Arthurs shared the news in a candid Instagram post Friday, telling fans he was diagnosed earlier this year and is now entering the next phase of treatment.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Neither a standard biopic nor a concert documentary, the film is an 89-minute communal celebration featuring exclusive music videos and candid behind-the-scenes content documenting the making of Swift’s 12th album.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Frank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frank. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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