frank 1 of 3

adjective

ˈfraŋk How to pronounce frank (audio)
Definition of franknext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

frank

2 of 3

noun

1
as in signature

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in weiner

Synonyms & Similar Words

frank

3 of 3

verb

as in to mail

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
It has been streamed more than 600 million times on Spotify to date, with listeners drawn to Young’s frank assessment of her own failings. —Sophie Williams, Billboard, 16 May 2025 The conversations were frank about how customers are using the technology in the real world. —Jason Andersen, Forbes.com, 15 May 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
  1. outspoken
  2. signature
  3. weiner
  4. mail
  5. honest
  6. John Hancock
  7. frankfurter
  8. post
Adjective
  • Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, an outspoken critic of the city’s homeless programs, also has been a longtime supporter of terminating the emergency.
    — Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
  • These decisions suggest an effort to suppress all but the most overt nationalistic efforts from American artists, a fool’s errand given the outspoken nature of the creative community, and one that is not unfamiliar around the globe.
    — Eric Kohn, HollywoodReporter, 30 May 2025
Definition of outspoken
Noun
  • Cyrus, meanwhile, sported his signature rocker edge in a pair of tight-fitting black pants detailed with silver medallions along the leg and a black jacket with leather accents.
    — Erin Clack, People.com, 25 May 2025
  • The track, a slow-moving ballad characteristic of Parton's signature sound, pays tribute to Dean's support throughout their relationship.
    — Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Definition of signature
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
Definition of weiner
Verb
  • Magnotta posted a video of the gruesome slaying and mailed Lin's body parts to Canadian government officials before fleeing the country for Europe, per The Guardian.
    — Jessica Sager, People.com, 25 May 2025
  • Additionally, traveling to the courthouse for in-person submissions is time-intensive, and mailing documents introduces further delays.
    — Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Definition of mail
Adjective
  • Players appreciated such an honest approach during the Euro 2022 campaign, which garnered mutual respect and trust.
    — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • So much of it feels like a fever dream, to be honest, being in Singapore.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 30 May 2025
Definition of honest
Noun
  • And check out Kyle making like John Hancock and the Declaration of Independence with his huge, splashy signature all over that season logo.
    — Dalton Ross, EW.com, 22 May 2025
  • Matthew Miskin, co-chief investment strategist at Manulife John Hancock Investments, said a rise in 10-year yields beyond 4.5% could be a headwind for stocks.
    — Davide Barbuscia, USA Today, 22 May 2025
Definition of John Hancock
Noun
  • 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
  • According to Advertising Week, the 27-foot-long Wienermobile had its launch as a slightly smaller four-wheel frankfurter designed and constructed to appear in parades for promotion for the Oscar Mayer Meat Company.
    — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of frankfurter
Verb
  • It has been well documented the historic year Scheffler posted in 2024.
    — Kendall Capps, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
  • Parents in North Brook and surrounding neighborhoods responded by posting their own anti-hate flyers and drawing hearts on sidewalks.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2025
Definition of post

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frangible
frank
franked
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Cite this Entry

“Frank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frank. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on frank

Nglish: Translation of frank for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about frank

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