CANDID Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

candid

adjective

ˈkan-dəd

Definition of candid next

as in outspoken

free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions my grandmother was a candid woman who never hesitated to say exactly what was on her mind

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in impartial

marked by justice, honesty, and freedom from bias a candid listing of the advantages and disadvantages of each medical insurance plan

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of candid Minnelli entered rehab for substance abuse in 2015, and has been candid about her struggle against addiction in the time since. —

Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 3 Dec. 2024 The reporter has also been candid about his alcohol addiction and sobriety journey following two DUI arrests that same year and in 2022, respectively. —

Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 2 Dec. 2024 Shanahan was candid about the team's struggles in 2024 in his postgame presser Sunday night. —

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024 On this evidence, Cher is prepared — happy, even — to be candid about her gravity-defying life and appearance. —

Alexander Larman, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for candid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for candid

Adjective

She has long been outspoken in calling for a deal to return the hostages, speaking weekly outside the Israel Defense Forces headquarters in Tel Aviv, as well as outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, at the Knesset (Israel’s parliament) and other locations.

Tamar Michaelis and Jennifer Hauser, CNN, 7 Dec. 2024
Trump’s incoming National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Secretary for Homeland Security Kristi Noem, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and FCC Chair Brendan Carr have all been outspoken supporters of a ban.

Emily Baker-White, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024