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
  • The Baldwins have been a public lightning rod with their outspoken political views and social-media controversies.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • In the September 1967 school board election, voters replaced two incumbent members with candidates who were outspoken opponents of the Oregon Plan.
    Time, Time, 4 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
  • Your go-to hamburger or hot dog buns are also likely UPFs, along with meats including frozen meatballs, chicken nuggets, hot dogs and most sausages.
    Andrea Margolis , Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Dick Portillo opened a hot dog stand in Chicago with $1,100 and built it into a billion-dollar regional chain, Portillo’s.
    Giacomo Tognini, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • You will be asked to provide basic identifying information, like your name, date of birth, mailing address and more to secure your account.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
  • In those magazines were mailing addresses, encouraging the trading of cassettes and letters with fellow artists and fans.
    Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 2 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
  • 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
  • Chestnut, 41, consumed 70½ hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, falling short of his 2021 record of 76 wieners and buns.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Video surveillance from the scene posted online by Fox 11 shows a man lingering near a doorway, quickly grabbing the gift box from a table and running out of the venue.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
  • In late 2023, Lyla Biggs, a member of PacSun’s TikTok affiliate program with about 5,000 followers, posted a casual video styling the Casey Jean.
    Jamie Gutfreund, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The stand-up comedian has previously been candid about her experience with postpartum depression.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Blair, who’s hilariously candid in her interviews, showed up late on set and refused to don the same makeup from the first movie.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Frank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frank. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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