frank 1 of 3

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
Jenkins is frank in conceding that Mufasa was work for hire. Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2024 Building resilience starts with self-awareness–frank discussions of what isn't working, near-term headwinds, strategic obstacles and missing capabilities. Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
Noun
Dearborn Sausage Company, Inc., a producer of meat products including sausages, franks, ham and turkey, jerky and deli meats, has issued a recall of nearly 2,000 pounds of product due to undeclared allergens, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said Thursday. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 19 Sep. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for frank 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frank
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
  • The production has been riddled with controversy, from the color-blind casting of Zegler to the CGI dwarfs played by mostly non-dwarf actors to the leads’ outspoken opposing stances on the war in Gaza.
    Ben Rosenstock, TIME, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Order a signature 6-ounce filet (comes with a prime or signature side) for just $49.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2024
  • In partnership with La Mer, the spa offers guests the signature Genaissance de La Mer Facial, a 90-minute indulgence that targets points of concern with expert massage and stimulating drainage techniques in order to smoothen and rejuvenate the skin.
    Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes, 30 Dec. 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
  • Notification letters are expected to be mailed to owners of affected vehicles on Jan. 13, 2025.
    Anne Marie Lee, CBS News, 1 Jan. 2025
  • Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Feb. 11, 2025.
    Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The actress, who plays an attorney and de facto detective, allows an honest revelation.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
  • And lawyers have a responsibility as officers of the court, even in the public square, to be truthful and honest.
    Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Dec. 2024
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
  • Just hours before kick-off against Shamrock Rovers, Chelsea posted a video on social media of Maresca giving a speech inside the senior dressing room at Cobham.
    Simon Johnson, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Days before the event, former President Donald Trump posted AI generated images of Swift dressed as Uncle Sam endorsing him for the White House.
    Bryan West, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near frank

Cite this Entry

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

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