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
The actors certainly do the best with the material that they’re given, but much of the writing and plot construction l is, to be frank, bafflingly terrible. James Factora, Them., 21 Aug. 2025 Six months in, a frank exchange with Robin Williams that prophetically touched on his suicidal thoughts accelerated Maron’s upward trajectory. Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frank
Adjective
  • Prince Harry and his father, King Charles III, have reunited amid the royal family's estrangement from the outspoken prince.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Lucy Liu has been quite outspoken in recent years, calling out the unjust treatment of women and the paucity of roles for non-white actors in Hollywood, and advocating for the rights of children through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), among other relevant topics.
    Brett Berk, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But an unaffiliated candidate, Lia White, is trying to get enough signatures to get on the general election ballot in the district.
    Mary Ramsey Updated September 9, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The actress, who is reprising her role of Emily Charlton, has been seen on set with both her character's signature red locks, as well as a striking platinum blonde 'do.
    Hedy Phillips, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The New Yorker hot dog is topped with sauerkraut, mustard and onion; the Beach Bum with chili, onion and coleslaw; and the Cortez has chili, onion, mustard and cheese.
    Jason Dill, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
  • He was booted from last year’s Coney Island hot dog eating contest for signing a deal to promote Impossible nuggets and handed a one-year suspension.
    Jason Mastrodonato, Mercury News, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Notices About Penalties If the IRS charges you a penalty or interest, the agency will mail you a notice.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Violators will be asked for ID and will be issued a citation on the spot or mailed one.
    Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But all friends need to be honest with each other, to tell each other home truths when it’s needed, to confront those awkward moments without fear of the reaction.
    Steve Sedgwick, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
  • But when those larger firms start to adopt similar habits—open forums, early interventions, honest check-ins—things change fast.
    Stephan Lendi, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In related wiener news, Jim’s Original, a Chicago street-food staple since 1939, plans on opening its first-ever location outside of the Windy City in Orange.
    Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Then her teen-age niece Corinne (Talia Ryder) vanishes after a shift at the local wiener joint, and Honey’s involvement in the grim occurrences becomes personal and passionate.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The carrier posted the best punctuality record in 9 of the last 10 years.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • In another video of the incident, posted on Facebook, Bryan is captured trying to hop over the fence in an attempt to get to Adcock, before he is held back by security.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Titled Forever Our Girlfriend, the celebration takes place at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles, where Akil will sit down for a candid conversation with Hollywood Confidential founder Steve Jones.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Below, Cosgrove gets candid about growing up in the industry, why getting cast in The Wrong Paris felt like a dream, her favorite scene in the rom-com, whether an iCarly movie is really happening and more.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Frank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frank. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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