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
There’s no shortage of fine places to find some franks around Fort Worth. Jake Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 June 2025 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
Verb
As the new guidelines state, our goal at all times is to promote the well-being of our community and to foster respectful, frank, and productive discussions, with room for diverse viewpoints. Ken Fisher, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2025 The day after the France loss, the England players and staff had frank and open conversations. Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for frank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frank
Adjective
  • A week later, following speculation by critics and outspoken celebrities that this was a politically motivated move, Paramount obtained FCC approval for an $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 30 July 2025
  • Being outspoken is even better, and with cord-cutting wreaking havoc on TV viewing, traditional TV players that used to develop their talent in house are increasingly turning to outsiders to help give them relevance to an audience that might otherwise bypass their content.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • The band, whose unmistakable signature sound emanates from June Kuramoto’s formidable prowess on the koto, a Japanese stringed instrument, was formed in the 1970s in East Los Angeles by leader Dan Kuramoto.
    Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
  • The House and Senate typically pass competing versions of the legislation before negotiating a compromise bill for the president's signature.
    Davis Winkie, USA Today, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • Visitors—both Tesla owners and walk-ins—can order burgers, wings, hot dogs and milkshakes via kiosks or the Tesla Diner app, which is built into the car's touchscreen.
    Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
  • Community members can usher in the start of the 2025 football season at the high school with free hamburgers, hot dogs and barbecue sandwiches at 6 p.m. on July 26.
    Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Claims should be mailed to: Michigan Lottery Attn: Claim Center 101 E. Hillsdale P.O. Box 30023 Lansing, MI 48909 For prizes over $100,000, winners must claim their prize in person at the Michigan Lottery Headquarters in Lansing located at 101 E. Hillsdale in downtown Lansing.
    Detroit Free Press Staff, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • Letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed August 18 with a follow-up expected when the remedy becomes available.
    James Powel, USA Today, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • This is a great way to spot medical fraud or an honest human error like a miscoding of services.
    Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • He’s been honest and realistic with his teammates about it.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • Aside from Revere, John Hancock and Samuel Adams are there.
    Brian T. Allen, National Review, 19 July 2025
  • Don’t expect to just open your checkbook, scrawl your John Hancock, and then jump behind the bar and start running the place.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Moderation, as in many an eating or drinking endeavor, is always recommended, including rationing those Vienna all-beef wieners.
    Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Some of the videos posted on social media showed that the fight began as two men circled each other and a crowd gathered.
    Enquirer staff, The Enquirer, 31 July 2025
  • Another video posted on X, formerly Twitter, showed a car stuck in traffic.
    Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Frank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frank. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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