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

Relevance

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 Stan has been candid about not finding a sparring partner for the publication’s viral program. —

Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Jan. 2025 Joshua Schulman is candid about Burberry and himself. —

David Moin, WWD, 14 Jan. 2025 The couple have been candid about the experience, with Montag, 38, sharing her devastation in videos while Pratt has offered a deadpan take on their loss. —

Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025 Helsley and former Cardinal Tyler O’Neill were candid about how their experiences in their respective arbitration hearings negatively impacted them ahead of the 2023 season. —

Katie Woo, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for candid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for candid

Adjective

Larry Summers was outspoken about the inflationary risks of Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus package.

— Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2025
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) voluntarily reversed the rule following a lawsuit by Austin, Texas, gun store owner Michael Cargill, an outspoken proponent of gun rights who argued the policy impeded access to firearms and was a barrier to the right to own firearms.

— Louis Casiano, Fox News, 18 Jan. 2025