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Synonym Chooser

How is the word candid distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of candid are frank, open, and plain. While all these words mean "showing willingness to tell what one feels or thinks," candid suggests expression marked by sincerity and honesty especially in offering unwelcome criticism or opinion.

a candid appraisal

When would frank be a good substitute for candid?

The synonyms frank and candid are sometimes interchangeable, but frank stresses lack of shyness or secretiveness or of evasiveness from considerations of tact or expedience.

frank discussions

How is open related to other words for candid?

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 candid?

The words plain and candid 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 candid In a post to her Instagram Stories on Thursday night (March 6), Madonna shared her candid thoughts on the current wave of anti-trans extremism making its way around the globe. Stephen Daw, Billboard, 7 Mar. 2025 Throughout her more than 15 years in the spotlight, Gaga, 38, has been candid about her struggles with mental health, substance abuse and debilitating chronic pain. Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025 The Reality Of Being A Black, Female Beauty Founder Despite success, Scott is candid about the challenges Black founders face, particularly in securing funding. Tira Urquhart, Essence, 6 Mar. 2025 These candid moments cement IMC’s dedication to educating its audience and providing them with direct insights from industry experts. Stephanie Tharpe, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for candid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for candid
Adjective
  • Duckworth, herself a disabled veteran, has been particularly outspoken, calling the Administration’s actions a betrayal.
    Nik Popli, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The actress, whose big break came in another big musical, the remake of West Side Story, has drawn her own controversy for being a little bit outspoken, there is that.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • There must be prompt, transparent and impartial investigations into all the killings and other violations, and those responsible must be held to account, in line with international law norms and standards.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
  • There was no sign of keeping things impartial for Shah, who as the ICC chief is meant to be independent and act without bias.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Encourage candidates to ask questions and provide honest answers.
    Rebecca Skilbeck, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Olivia Culpo is getting honest about what happened during the first trimester of her pregnancy.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This is still hardly equitable, but women have made some gains.
    Kweilin Ellingrud, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Sponsored by Property Management Inc. and presented by Delta Theta Tau, the Gala will unite more than 700 community and business leaders, as well as families, in a celebration of OE’s mission to create inclusive and equitable opportunities for people of all abilities.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But online discussions about the veiling law, the collapse of Assad, and broader social, political, and economic issues are surprisingly frank and nuanced.
    Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The doc is otherwise gentle and unwaveringly frank about the intersex community, which allows subjects like Jim to be incredibly vulnerable on camera.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Why The Northern Lights Are More Common At Equinox The same celestial geometry that ensures equal day and night on Earth also positions the planet’s axis side-on to the sun.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Divide it into eight equal pieces on a floured surface.
    Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But years later, Mullins continues her search through Mexico’s legal system to recover her father’s remains and bring justice to his case — a journey that author Robert Osborne recounts in his forthcoming book, Malcom Is Missing: A True Story of Murder and a Daughter’s Quest for Justice in Mexico.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Gurung playfully teased creative director Adam Glassman with details from his forthcoming memoir, Walk Like a Girl, out May 13.
    Laura Neilson, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Candid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/candid. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on candid

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