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
Over the past year, CEO Andy Jassy has been frank about Amazon’s transformation. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 29 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
Noun
Members of the organization distributed vegan hot dogs to people along the boardwalk, all while hundreds of Nathan's franks were being prepped for the competitive eaters. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2025 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
Verb
Mailers Both parties also used franking privileges to send mail to constituents. Brittany Carloni, IndyStar, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frank
Adjective
  • Her love life, like her work life, according to her most outspoken friend, Littia (singer Inayah), is in shambles, and an invitation to spend the holidays with love interest Colton (Aaron O’Connell) challenges her perspectives on romance.
    Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The pair will face the immediate challenge of addressing the controversy over politics that has roiled the firm, at a time when many Silicon Valley venture firms are becoming increasingly outspoken on hot-button political and culture-war issues.
    Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Kansas freshman Kohl Rosario walked into Allen Fieldhouse without his signature bushy mustache.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 12 Nov. 2025
  • The front of the house is faced almost entirely in Meier’s signature grid of white aluminum panels, while the back is mostly glass that showers the interior spaces with natural light.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • At this Sunset soup destination, kids 12 and under whose families receive SNAP benefits get a free tomato or chicken soup cup or bowl, or a hot dog.
    Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 28 Oct. 2025
  • There’s also a hot dog deal with four small hot dogs, four small popcorns, and four regular sodas or waters for $40.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Hoosiers who need to mail a letter, visit their bank or those who have business at the BMV might want to run their errands ahead of Veterans Day, which honors the women and men who served in the United States military.
    John Tufts, IndyStar, 6 Nov. 2025
  • There, you will be asked to input basic identifying information (Name, birth date, mailing address, etc).
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • But to be honest, the 20th anniversary, in other people’s hands, would not have lured me back.
    McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2025
  • They’re further accused of honest services wire fraud, a noteworthy charge that has played an instrumental role in the sports world of late.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The figures of frankfurters purchased were already piling up as the Twins took batting practice roughly 90 minutes before the 7:08 p.m. first pitch.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
  • Smack dab in the middle of hot dog season is a day to celebrate the frankfurter: National Hot Dog Day, which falls this year on Wednesday, July 16.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 16 July 2025
Verb
  • Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Sony Group on Tuesday posted a stronger-than-expected rise in second-quarter operating profit and announced a share buyback of up to 100 billion Japanese yen ($648 million).
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Despite posting one of the highest payrolls in all of baseball, the Mets ended up missing the postseason following a 4-0 loss to the Miami Marlins in the last game of the regular season.
    Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • In a candid interview, top real estate agent and founder of SYKES Properties, Erin Sykes, got real about the state of the Florida real estate market.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Mod Sun has been candid about the split in the past.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Frank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frank. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

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