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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

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
The new cash prompted a frank look at the Chuck E. Cheese model – including its iconic animatronic band, featuring Charles Entertainment Cheese and his friends. Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2025 The kids in my little village can be quite frank about how our households differ. Stephanie H. Murray, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 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
Adjective
  • Todd was outspoken about the corrosive impacts of Trump-era lies and indecency — and was ridiculed by Trump and others for it.
    Brian Stelter, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Buttigieg, an outspoken Democratic surrogate during the 2024 campaign, is widely considered a 2028 presidential contender.
    Erin Doherty, Axios, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The boots are lined with the brand’s signature wool blend that’s plush and warm, yet moisture-wicking.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Similarly to Washington, the Cyclones lack signature wins to force moving into the upper echelon.
    Mark Schindler, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
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
  • Researchers at Japan’s Sophia University found that mailing people coupons, followed by an email, generated over 5 times as many sales as those who were emailed a coupon, a sales differential that was more than enough to offset the expense of printing and mailing.
    Alex Knapp, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Owner notification letters will be mailed out around Feb. 3.
    Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This one’s all over the place tonally, on purpose: Ferrell wrestles a fake alligator over here, while over there, Witherspoon bravely engages with her siblings and their intimidating mother to hammer out an honest reconciliation after too long.
    Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025
  • The parallels here are unsubtle, but Falconer’s delicate and impressively assured direction smoothes them into something honest, so that even the moments that might seem obvious to us roil with self-revelation.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Wander through the Granary Burying Ground, established in 1660, a shady oasis beside busy Tremont Street, to pay respects to the founding fathers Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Paul Revere, all of whom are buried here, along the city’s 2.5-mile-long Freedom Trail.
    Jenna Russell, New York Times, 4 July 2024
  • The John Hancock was written off as a relic useful mainly to inflate the value of sports memorabilia.
    Bill Hardekopf, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • The recall list includes hams, bologna, bacon, sausage, salami and frankfurters.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2024
  • The recall list has expanded to include hams, bologna, bacon, sausage, salami and frankfurters.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 31 July 2024
Verb
  • The City Council held a vote to pass Resolution 678 on January 23, with members of the committee voting 3-1 in favor of the resolution, according to video of the meeting posted to citymeetings.nyc.
    James Factora, Them, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Vera is posting a lot less about celebrity gossip these days, saying the urgency of the moment has compelled her to focus on immigration issues.
    Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near frank

Cite this Entry

“Frank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frank. Accessed 5 Feb. 2025.

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