CANDID Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

candid

adjective

ˈkan-dəd

Definition of candid next

as in outspoken

free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions my grandmother was a candid woman who never hesitated to say exactly what was on her mind

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in impartial

marked by justice, honesty, and freedom from bias a candid listing of the advantages and disadvantages of each medical insurance plan

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The responses were candid and transformative for anyone willing to use them as a guide for their own retirement. —

Wes Moss, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 The holiday card includes a collage of images featuring the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as well as a rare, candid photo with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. —

Julia Teti, WWD, 17 Dec. 2024 Along the way, the trio shares candid conversations, heartfelt moments, and lively renditions of holiday classics and chart-topping hits. —

Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 16 Dec. 2024 And through it all, Roan has maintained a refreshingly honest approach to stardom, to the point where her candid reactions to fame have become nearly as massive as her music has. —

Elton John Published, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for candid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for candid

Adjective

Kim noted that while Spiro has been very outspoken about parts the of case and its witnesses outside of the courtroom, the legal team has not made those same arguments in court.

Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 20 Dec. 2024
Gunn came under fire on social media by right wing commentator Mike Cernovich who went after the director for his controversial, years-old jokes about pedophilia, but more so, because the filmmaker was an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump.

Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2024