frank 1 of 3

frank

2 of 3

noun

frank

3 of 3

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
After quickly doubling that order, Musk then came out with the frank update: that the center would require a cool million of the Nvidia GPUs that run there. John Werner, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 The resulting memoir was a frank account of her childhood pain and a meditation on identity. Molly Fischer, The New Yorker, 4 Dec. 2024
Noun
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 Dearborn Sausage Company, Inc., a producer of meat products including sausages, franks, ham and turkey, jerky and deli meats, has issued a recall of nearly 2,000 pounds of product due to undeclared allergens, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said Thursday. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for frank 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frank
Adjective
  • This is quite ironic, considering the fact that, in real life, Rossellini is an outspoken advocate for embracing aging.
    Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 5 Jan. 2025
  • Cheney, an outspoken critic of Trump, has long found herself at the center of the former president’s ire.
    Sophia Vento, The Hill, 3 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Between the vibrant selection of signature ramen bowls and classic Thai dishes, one trip simply might not be enough.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2025
  • The green wall element is a signature piece that Pöppler designed for this house and which also serves as a shelf.
    Ulrich Clewing, Architectural Digest, 12 Jan. 2025
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
  • Owners of the affected vehicles are expected to be mailed notification letters by March 7.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
  • That’s competitive with other at-home hormone tests, which can range from roughly $30 to $250 and require people to mail in samples.
    Victoria Song, The Verge, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • When asked how the Buccaneers have been able to battle back through adversity throughout the season and remain a winning product, Evans had a blunt, but honest answer.
    DJ Siddiqi, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Online slots work on an RNG (Random Number Generation) model, ensuring a fair and honest outcome for every player.
    Matthew Gover, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025
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
  • The recall list has expanded to include hams, bologna, bacon, sausage, salami and frankfurters.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 31 July 2024
Verb
  • In 2024, Scott posted a 1.75 ERA, 1.125 WHIP, and 22 saves across 72 appearances for the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
  • One customer posted a screenshot showing he'd been sent a Prepaid Mastercard worth $2.37 as his Verizon Administrative settlement payment.
    Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near frank

Cite this Entry

“Frank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frank. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on frank

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!