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frank

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noun

frank

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verb

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

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 frank
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
Noun
The world-famous competitive eater will inhale franks alongside four Army soldiers stationed at Fort Bliss, El Paso, in a five-minute contest as opposed to the normal 10-minute span of his customary Fourth of July contest. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 27 June 2024 Nathan’s Famous is celebrating National Hot Dog Day by offering customers the chance to snag a frank for a nickel today — the same price diners paid when the first Nathan’s opened in 1916. David Matthews, New York Daily News, 17 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for frank 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frank
Adjective
  • And [Israel] also tried to silence the outspoken voices of what remains from the U.N.
    Karl Vick, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors The late Michael Jackson was outspoken about sexuality and often caused controversy with his provocative dance moves.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Trump’s signature tax law capped the value of that deduction at $10,000, regardless of marital status.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • As Sichuan’s signature spice grows beyond the confines of traditional Chinese cuisine, the question isn’t when to use it, but when not to.
    Megan Zhang, Saveur, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • 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
  • Here's the nutrition breakdown from last year's weiner winner.
    Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 3 July 2023
Verb
  • Berkeley polling also found that an overwhelming majority of Californians opted to mail their ballots or drop them off ahead of election day.
    Faith E. Pinho, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has taken a case to protect the rights of Cobb County voters in the 2024 presidential election, after officials inadvertently delayed mailing out some absentee ballots.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Stick to transparent, honest consent methods that respect users and ensure compliance.
    Ian Cohen, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Simard: Some of it is just combined with comedy in general, to be honest.
    Juan A. Ramírez, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The John Hancock was written off as a relic useful mainly to inflate the value of sports memorabilia.
    Bill Hardekopf, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024
  • Among the historical figures who frequented the tavern were Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, John Hancock, Joseph Warren, Joseph Webb, Thomas Melville, and Samuel Peck.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • The recall list has expanded to include hams, bologna, bacon, sausage, salami and frankfurters.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 31 July 2024
  • Those meats included ham, bacon, bologna, frankfurters and sausages.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 31 July 2024
Verb
  • Following the surprise announcement, Frankel posted a sweet message on Instagram alongside pictures of the couple showing off their wedding bling.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 23 Nov. 2024
  • Shares have rallied in recent weeks as the company issued optimistic guidance for fiscal 2025 and posted increasing profit in its streaming unit.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 22 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near frank

Cite this Entry

“Frank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frank. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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