1
2

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

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 candid In Martha, her life-spanning documentary on Netflix, out now, audiences get a candid portrayal of her meteoric rise, abrupt fall, and triumphant return, as told by Stewart herself. Mel Studach, Architectural Digest, 1 Nov. 2024 Lucas Bravo is getting candid about his thoughts on the direction his Emily in Paris character, Gabriel, is going. Christy Piña, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Oct. 2024 Toni Braxton gets candid about grief, music and renewal Toni Braxton sits in her home, a picture of effortless elegance in a black turtleneck and sunglasses. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 29 Oct. 2024 Team-building exercises and candid feedback sessions can foster deeper trust and mutual respect. Gamze Acar Bayraktaroglu, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for candid 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for candid
Adjective
  • The need led to mostly universal – if often reluctant – support for the tax measure among city leaders, and outspoken support from fire and police departments.
    Luis Melecio-Zambrano, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Marcus had become an outspoken supporter and financial backer of Trump, maxing out donations to his campaign this election and donating $1 million to the pro-Trump super PAC Make America Great Inc. last November.
    Taylor Giorno, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Attorneys who completed a survey about her work called her fair and impartial.
    John Frank, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Routh's attorneys argued in their motion that Cannon could not be impartial in the case because she was appointed by Trump.
    Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • This leads to an honest and bracing conversation about the nature of addiction.
    Noel Murray, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Healthy relationships, open or closed, involve honest communication.
    Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • On the other, some commissioners pointed out, the language of the Brine Act required the companies to demonstrate that the royalty is fair and equitable.
    Ainsley Platt, arkansasonline.com, 5 Nov. 2024
  • This shift empowers users to own their data and identity, promoting a more equitable and user-centric digital environment.
    Gary Weinstein, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Pickford is fascinated by the era of early colonial expansion and also, to be frank, by treasure.
    Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
  • To be frank, the medical and public health community has struggled to effectively communicate the importance of annual COVID-19 vaccinations.
    Jerome M. Adams, The Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • One bar is approximately equal to the air pressure at sea level on Earth.
    Benjamin Roulston, Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Morgan Stanley reinstates Krispy Kreme as equal weight Morgan Stanley says Krispy Kreme has a balanced risk/reward right now.
    Michael Bloom, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Kate then effectively disappeared for the next couple months — and no new information was forthcoming.
    Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
  • Meanwhile, the case is under a gag order, which means no more information will be forthcoming until trial.
    Aja Romano, Vox, 11 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near candid

Cite this Entry

“Candid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/candid. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on candid

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!