frankly

adverb

ˈfraŋ-klē How to pronounce frankly (audio)
Definition of franklynext
as in honestly
to tell the truth frankly, I'd rather stay at home than go to the movies tonight

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 frankly Mary McCarthy gossips more frankly about people Robert Lowell mentions. — Literary Hub, 13 July 2026 Abstract nail designs are a great way to experiment with your artistic side because, quite frankly, anything goes. — Omenaa Boakye, InStyle, 13 July 2026 An East Hampton beach day plus a container of Round Swamp chicken salad is frankly my idea of heaven. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026 Not to mention, frankly, whether the automakers themselves can be trusted with such sensitive data. — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for frankly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frankly
  1. honestly
  2. actually
  3. really
  4. indeed
Adverb
  • Leaders must honestly review past performance, confronting uncomfortable truths rather than defending old decisions.
    — Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • The historian Eugen Weber wrote influentially of how peasants who spoke languages like Occitan, Breton, or Basque became—or, more honestly, were made—Frenchmen.
    — Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Definition of honestly
Adverb
  • While rumors initially claimed ICE was targeting fans, OutKick confirmed at the time that the personnel was actually California Border Control agents conducting routine operations unrelated to local sweeps.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
  • Also, with the Pacers being hard capped and only having 14 players signed to standard contracts, their two-way signees may actually be needed this season.
    — Tony East, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of actually
Adverb
  • Mainoo, sitting on the bench, could be forgiven for wondering if Tuchel had really watched his matches in the second half of last season.
    — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • There are so many extras and cast members, the lighting was really complicated, and I was being followed by a spotlight all the time.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 20 July 2026
Definition of really
Adverb
  • Men used to go to war indeed, and in gloriously shot 70mm IMAX at that.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • You indeed are obligated only to invite the neighbors back over eventually.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 17 July 2026
Definition of indeed

Browse Nearby Words

franking
frankly
frankness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Frankly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frankly. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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