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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

Examples 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
Their mutual groping, filmed in blue light, could be the most frank miscegenation ever put on film. Armond White, National Review, 30 Oct. 2024 To be frank that’s what most likely captured Wayman + Micah–the duo is also notorious for experimenting. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
The world-famous competitive eater will inhale franks alongside four Army soldiers stationed at Fort Bliss, El Paso, in a five-minute contest as opposed to the normal 10-minute span of his customary Fourth of July contest. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 27 June 2024 Nathan’s Famous is celebrating National Hot Dog Day by offering customers the chance to snag a frank for a nickel today — the same price diners paid when the first Nathan’s opened in 1916. David Matthews, New York Daily News, 17 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for frank 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frank
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
Noun
  • After all, this is a bold departure from her signature colorful styles.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Lopez styled her long hair in her signature soft waves and completed her look with a natural, glowy makeup look.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • 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
  • Here's the nutrition breakdown from last year's weiner winner.
    Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 3 July 2023
Verb
  • Usually, a check is mailed to the IRA owner’s last known address or legal title to shares of stock or mutual funds are transferred to the IRA owner’s name.
    Bob Carlson, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Dec. 6.
    Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This Fire sign is notorious for its #nofilter ways and brutally honest approach to life, always speaking their mind without hesitation.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
  • An honest assessment of human behavior is that price is all that matters.
    Korok Ray, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Wander through the Granary Burying Ground, established in 1660, a shady oasis beside busy Tremont Street, to pay respects to the founding fathers Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Paul Revere, all of whom are buried here, along the city’s 2.5-mile-long Freedom Trail.
    Jenna Russell, New York Times, 4 July 2024
  • The John Hancock was written off as a relic useful mainly to inflate the value of sports memorabilia.
    Bill Hardekopf, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • The recall list includes hams, bologna, bacon, sausage, salami and frankfurters.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2024
  • Products include several varieties of ham, bologna, frankfurters and sausage.
    Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 31 July 2024
Verb
  • Caleb Ricks’ 35-yard interception return for a touchdown gave Trinity some breathing room, and the Rocks went on to post a 42-23 victory over Ryle in Saturday’s Class 6A final at Kroger Field.
    Rich Barak, The Courier-Journal, 8 Dec. 2024
  • Since it was posted on October 27, the clip has gained more than 6.8 million views and over 172,000 likes on Instagram at the time of writing.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near frank

Cite this Entry

“Frank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frank. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

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