Synonyms of frank

frank 1 of 3

adjective

ˈfraŋk 

as in outspoken

free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions

our ballet teacher is very frank about telling her students whether she thinks they have the talent for a career in dance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

frank

2 of 3

noun

1

as in signature

Related Words

• signature
• John Hancock
• mark
• autograph
• hand
• endorsement
• countersign

2

as in hot dog

Related Words

• hot dog
• frankfurter
• bologna
• weenie
• salami
• wiener
• liver sausage
• pepperoni
• liverwurst
• kielbasa
• Vienna sausage
• sausage
• knockwurst
• wurst
• link
• banger
• wienerwurst
• blood sausage

frank

3 of 3

verb

as in to mail

Related Words

• mail
• post
• forward
• address
• airmail
• route
• direct
• ship
• consign
• transmit
• remit
• dispatch
• register
• transport

Dissimilar Words

• get
• receive

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

Recent Examples of frank

Adjective

Davis was frank with the roughly 20 people in attendance, saying the November election will not be an easy victory. — Rachel Royster july 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026

This contrasts with England's assistant coach, Anthony Barry, whose frank assessments have been lauded. — Roger Trapp, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Noun

In all its years of hawking food court franks, Costco hasn't raised the price since the 1980s – even as the median price of grab-and-go meals has soared with inflation. — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 19 Nov. 2025

Initially the food of immigrants, the humble combination of a frank wrapped in a bun became part of the country’s cultural fabric, a staple at picnics, baseball stadiums, barbecues and fairs. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 27 Mar. 2026

Verb

Mailers Both parties also used franking privileges to send mail to constituents. — Brittany Carloni, IndyStar, 11 Aug. 2025