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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

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 candid Pearce first opened up about her health problems in May 2024 in a candid video on Instagram. Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025 These quotes are all from the thoughtful, candid, curious mommy makeover patients that Allure recently spoke to for our story 17 People Get Real About their Mommy Makeovers. Meirav Devash, Allure, 31 Mar. 2025 Whether their focus is call-in advice, comedic commentary, candid girl talk, or cultural dissections or health and wellness, these women lead the discussion with expertise, humor and vulnerability. Essence, 28 Mar. 2025 The club was candid — perhaps to a fault — regarding its extensive efforts to trade the face of the franchise, hoping to clear up payroll and roster space. Katie Woo, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for candid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for candid
Adjective
  • The outspoken mother, who has clashed with Rock in the past, quickly went on to reiterate her desire for Blueface to enter a relationship with rap star Megan Thee Stallion, a hope that she’s expressed on previous occasions.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The world’s richest man also used the R-word to insult the intelligence of Navarro, an economic populist who is one of the most outspoken advocates for higher import taxes designed to protect American manufacturing.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Check impartial sources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the Consumer FInancial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to ensure that the feedback given to your potential debt settlement company is legitimate.
    Víctor Rosario, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Both roles involve significant fiduciary obligations, including managing property prudently, avoiding conflicts of interest, making impartial decisions among beneficiaries, and adhering to the terms and intentions of the governing legal documents.
    True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The album is raw, honest, and deeply personal—a sonic letter to women and their stories, both told and untold.
    Nour Ezzedine, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
  • This accountability between sustainability initiatives and resilience among uncertainty is sparking more honest conversations, leading to more realistic goal setting and, ultimately, more meaningful progress.
    Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • These numbers reflect deep disparities and highlight the urgent need for a more equitable, culturally responsive approach to early literacy instruction across the state.
    Ken Barela, Hartford Courant, 3 Apr. 2025
  • When equipped with innovative technology and supported by local health facilities, Village Health Workers play an indispensable role in meeting the primary care needs of their communities and advancing equitable care for children living with NCDs in Zimbabwe.
    Cynthia Tully, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Meghan Markle’s new podcast, Confessions Of A Female Founder, is officially here, and the Duchess of Sussex opens the series with a frank conversation with her friend, Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd.
    Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Van Tassell and his Board of Trustees spent months in frank discussions about the mission of the school.
    Karen Weaver, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • As of last May, filings with the state of Texas indicated that 78% of CFP Administration LLC’s ownership was held in equal 15.6% shares by the Big Ten, ACC, SEC, Big 12 and Pac-12.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • That is: when revenues (the top line) fluctuate, all other things held equal, Delta's earnings should not swing as widely as American's due to lower operating leverage.
    GuruFocus, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Prolific Australian collective King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard have officially announced the release of their forthcoming album, Phantom Island.
    Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The trio is set to lead the streamer’s forthcoming Pride and Prejudice adaptation, a six-part limited-series take on Jane Austen’s beloved novel, TVLine has confirmed.
    Rebecca Luther, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Candid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/candid. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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