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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

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 frank
Adjective
The film was noteworthy at the time for its frank depiction of a lesbian relationship, as well as its focus on the athletes at work. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025 For better or worse, Jenner’s frank revelation further chips away at the surgery taboo. Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 4 June 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
  • Known for his outspoken floor speeches and frequent criticism of bipartisan bills, May had also built a reputation as a disruptive political consultant, backing challengers against sitting GOP incumbents.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
  • Former foundation board members Susan Burns and Larry Geimer were especially outspoken, repeatedly introducing the topic at public board meetings.
    Alice Herman, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • Answer: Jeff Goldblum What is Glinda’s signature song?
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 17 June 2025
  • But the Mig Flash can also be used for backup and play of an individual's legal Switch game purchases on a personal console, which shouldn't lead to any such signature conflicts.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • The sausage or weiner is dipped in a batter made of bread crumbs rather than cornmeal, and often paired with melty cheese and sometimes even squid ink.
    Sara Murphy, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • Owner notification letters for both recalls are expected to be mailed on August 4, 2025.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 17 June 2025
  • Information will be mailed to eligible businesses in August, and nominations must be received by Sept. 5.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • How can leaders conduct honest conversations without inspiring defensiveness, denial, or backlash?
    Lauren Howe, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • One of those fans, apparently, is singer Ciara, who recently urged the Harlem artist to make Lampkin an honest women after running into the rapper in the BET Awards press room this weekend.
    Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • The three-floor reconstruction will take 18 to 24 months to complete, and is the most significant interior renovation in the building’s 56-year history, said Scott Duncan, design partner at SOM, the architectural firm that designed the 100-story John Hancock Center and leads the current project.
    Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025
  • Tingle says that has helped John Hancock, the US arm of Canada’s Manulife Financial, outgrow its industry almost every quarter for the past seven years.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • California Love stories, rock slides, 50 pounds of dirty frankfurters.
    Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025
  • Americans didn’t invent the hot dog, but the nation’s German immigrants refined the wiener from Vienna and frankfurter from Frankfurt to a preferred game-day cuisine.
    Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Streamer Showmax posted a trading loss 2.3B rand larger than FY24 despite delivering 44% growth in active paying subs, but around 3.7B rand in cost savings meant trading profit only declined to 4B rand.
    Sara Merican, Deadline, 12 June 2025
  • As posted by the Florida State Amateur Championship on Instagram.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Frank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frank. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

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