FRANK Synonyms: 127 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

frank 1 of 3

adjective

ˈfraŋk

Definition of frank next

as in outspoken

free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions our ballet teacher is very frank about telling her students whether she thinks they have the talent for a career in dance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

frank

2 of 3

noun

as in signature

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in weiner

Synonyms & Similar Words

frank

3 of 3

verb

as in to mail

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

get
receive

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

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Recent Examples of frank

Adjective

Even now, with no way to hide behind my usual euphemisms or analogies, emoting still feels at times too frank and candid. —

Hannah Seo, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025 Being forced to work together — on a very meta case involving another beloved ABC show, the early-aughts classic Alias — led to a series of frank discussions, including a particularly volatile exchange at Kay’s Slaughter House. —

Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 28 Jan. 2025

Noun

All-beef frank topped with yellow mustard and sauerkraut or sautéed onions in tomato paste. —

Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024 Competitors were not allowed to dunk or pour water on the hot dogs, or separate the beef franks from their buns, with penalties levied for excess crumbs and regurgitation. —

Rishikesh Rajagopalan, CBS News, 2 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for frank

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frank

Adjective

And university leaders fearing government investigations, funding cuts, or punitive endowment taxes crack down on campus protest, remove or demote outspoken professors, and remain silent in the face of growing authoritarianism.

— STEVEN LEVITSKY, Foreign Affairs, 11 Feb. 2025
But the president's new FTC chair, Andrew Ferguson, is an outspoken Big Tech critic on X and is signaling the panel won't be stacked with pro-industry quislings.

— Marc Caputo, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025