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
• unreserved
• unguarded
• straight
• plainspoken
• openhearted
• earnest
• out-front
• sincere
• naive
• free-spoken
• unaffected
• real
• guileless
• ingenuous
• naïve
• outgoing
• uninhibited
• unpretentious
• artless
• unpretending
• foursquare
• freehearted
• rude
• innocent
• curt
• vociferous
• gruff
• brusque
• unrestrained
• abrupt
• bluff
• tactless
• crusty
• undiplomatic
• natural
• undesigning
• thoughtless
• sharp
• unsubtle
• impolite
• ungracious
• impertinent
• brusk
• 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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

2

as in weiner

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

frank

3 of 3

verb

as in to mail

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• 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

The book has long been lauded for its direct discussion of menstruation and other facts of life not often found in children's literature, and the film is a frank yet loving ode to Blume's vision. —Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 10 May 2025

In retrospect, this may be one of the most significant insights of his pontificate—the frank recognition that the number and gravity of violent conflicts constitute a world war that has largely gone unrecognized. —Paul Elie, New Yorker, 9 May 2025

Noun

All-beef frank topped with yellow mustard and sauerkraut or sautéed onions in tomato paste. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024

Competitors were not allowed to dunk or pour water on the hot dogs, or separate the beef franks from their buns, with penalties levied for excess crumbs and regurgitation. —Rishikesh Rajagopalan, CBS News, 2 Sep. 2024