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 movie’s frank depiction of Mishima’s bisexual obsessions and radical political drive, not to mention the involvement of foreign filmmakers like Schrader, Coppola and Lucas, drew a boycott from Mishima’s widow and incensed the ultra-right-wing political groups that continued to lionize him. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025 The result is a frank, warm and hugely entertaining film that celebrates a style of photography more often treated as kitsch than serious, timeless art. Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frank
Adjective
  • Hayes’ family members have been outspoken about their loss.
    Amy Yurkanin, ProPublica, 9 Oct. 2025
  • This seizure comes just days after Israeli forces intercepted another aid flotilla and arrested the activists on board, including Greta Thunberg, an outspoken critic of Israel.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • And of course, Lorelai’s outerwear brings her signature mix of fun and femininity to every look.
    Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2025
  • In addition to its signature pupusas — warm, thick cornmeal griddle cakes stuffed with beans and cheese — the restaurant serves up corn tamales, red silk beans and sandwiches such as pastelitos de carne.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Especially since any mayonnaise on a hot dog is too much mayonnaise.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Southerners are a hungry bunch, and somehow nothing hits the spot quite like a simple hot dog.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • All the instructions and mailing information are available online.
    Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The message states that individuals must provide bank account information in order to initiate the payment process, and promises that the tax refund will be deposited into the bank account or mailed as a paper check within one to two business days.
    Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Let’s be honest—doing things alone can feel awkward at first.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 13 Oct. 2025
  • To be honest, the whole setup sounds exhausting.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • For several decades, Karl Ratzsch's Restaurant served as a downtown Milwaukee landmark for both locals and visitors hungry for wiener schnitzel, sauerbraten, and other German foods.
    Tom Daykin, jsonline.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • There will be a German costume contest, wiener toss challenge and other German games.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Per the pilot’s script cover posted by Shyamalan, the series appears to be titled (or at least tentatively titled) Magic 8 Ball.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The Clippers were led by forward Kawhi Leonard, who posted 17 points on 5-of-10 shooting, two rebounds, two steals and one assist in 19 minutes in the first half and sat out for the rest of the game.
    Janis Carr, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Oscar-winner often shared fun, candid moments from both her personal and creative life on Instagram.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Well, Mary Bronstein, the writer/director, is very candid about this.
    Vogue, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Frank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frank. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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