frank 1 of 3

frank

2 of 3

noun

frank

3 of 3

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
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 See All Example Sentences for frank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frank
Adjective
  • His outspoken criticism of a student strike won him the support of California’s then governor, Ronald Reagan, and, in 1968, Hayakawa was appointed the college’s acting president.
    Graciela Mochkofsky, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
  • Another singles match will see the tough Sheamus go one-on-one with the outspoken Grayson Waller.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • It's made with salt, pepper, red pepper (for a hint of signature heat), and garlic.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 12 May 2025
  • His dad's signature is even carved into the bottom.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • The sausage or weiner is dipped in a batter made of bread crumbs rather than cornmeal, and often paired with melty cheese and sometimes even squid ink.
    Sara Murphy, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2025
  • Join Downtown Brentwood for this celebration featuring a Sierra Nevada biergarten, live music by Alpine Sound, delicious German cuisine, carnival and beer stein games, a weiner dog costume parade and an Oktoberfest market with local vendors.
    Brittany Delay, The Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2024
Verb
  • It must be mailed to the address on the form or hand-delivered by June 9 to be counted.
    Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 May 2025
  • Or mail it to John Dorfman, Dorfman Value Investments, 101 Federal Street, Suite 1900, Boston MA 02110.
    John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Log in Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.
    Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 16 May 2025
  • There has been no new-manager bounce, but instead a series of very honest press conferences about how long the United rebuild could take.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Whereas basic preferred funds are often held to stabilize portfolios, John Hancock’s fund’s equity holdings and leverage are more geared toward performance than comfort.
    Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • Offerings available in the 401(k) market include the John Hancock Stable Value Return Trust and MissionSquare PLUS Fund.
    Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Americans didn’t invent the hot dog, but the nation’s German immigrants refined the wiener from Vienna and frankfurter from Frankfurt to a preferred game-day cuisine.
    Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • According to Advertising Week, the 27-foot-long Wienermobile had its launch as a slightly smaller four-wheel frankfurter designed and constructed to appear in parades for promotion for the Oscar Mayer Meat Company.
    Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • English started his day nearly four hours before the leaders, posting 65, the low score of the final round.
    Justin Ray, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • In April 2023, McCreery posted on his Instagram Stories that his fifth studio album was on the way.
    Ilana Frost, People.com, 19 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Frank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frank. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on frank

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!