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

Such realism, buttressed by frank discussions of perimenopause and other facts of midlife, helps rather than hinders the show’s ability to transport. — Alison Herman, Variety, 9 July 2026

Such moments display a boldly personal approach to conflict journalism, one in which a frank, nuanced depiction of daily life tells us more about war than any losses or gains on the battlefield. — Madeleine Wulfahrt, New Yorker, 8 July 2026

Noun

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

Top that griddled pork-and-beef frank with your favorite fine-ground beef chili for hot dogs, then layer on a generous scoop of slaw from end to end. — Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026

Verb

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