frank 1 of 3

adjective

ˈfraŋk How to pronounce frank (audio)
Definition of franknext
as in outspoken
free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions our ballet teacher is very frank about telling her students whether she thinks they have the talent for a career in dance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

frank

2 of 3

noun

1
as in signature

Related Words
2
as in frankfurter

Related Words

frank

3 of 3

verb

as in to mail

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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
Solomon said that folks should have a frank conversation with their physician about how exactly their case met the diagnostic criteria. — Dylan Scott, Vox, 21 Oct. 2026 Chairman and president Mehmet Koruturk sums up the intent behind Vanguart, especially in a landscape that, to be frank, really does not need another watch company. — Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
According to McClaren, 44 Farms went through multiple rounds of recipe development over several years before launching their all-natural beef franks. — Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2026 Initially the food of immigrants, the humble combination of a frank wrapped in a bun became part of the country’s cultural fabric, a staple at picnics, baseball stadiums, barbecues and fairs. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
Mailers Both parties also used franking privileges to send mail to constituents. — Brittany Carloni, IndyStar, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frank
  1. outspoken
  2. signature
  3. frankfurter
  4. mail
  5. honest
  6. mark
  7. bologna
  8. post
Adjective
  • Controversy was never very far from Barr, who has been open about her own mental health issues and defiantly outspoken about her politics, which have grown increasingly right-wing and conspiratorial.
    — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The longtime community and labor organizer has been an outspoken progressive voice in the state legislature since she was elected in 2020.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of outspoken
Noun
  • He is alleged to have forged West’s signature on the permit application, but the telephone number listed was his own, the arrest affidavit said.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 21 Oct. 2026
  • From Burbank to West Covina, lines tend to form out the door at each of the chain’s locations, with patrons ordering boxes of their signature potato balls, cheese rolls and other pastries.
    — Ella Chakarian, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of signature
Noun
  • But the frankfurter fest rolls on, with Chestnut and Miki Sudo set to defend last year's wins in the men's and women's divisions, respectively.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • Faster than a speeding frankfurter, in comes the second annual Wienie 500.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 22 May 2026
Definition of frankfurter
Verb
  • The Dolphins mailed renewals to season ticket holders this week.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Beatles manager Brian Epstein (whom Louise believed didn’t really understand American culture) had been mailing her copies of their records to circulate to Midwestern radio stations.
    — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of mail
Adjective
  • My honest read on timing is that the five percent will be twenty percent by end of 2027, and fifty by end of 2029.
    — Stephen Messer, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The original impetus for the film, to be honest, was to look at an incredible life story over a long German period.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of honest
Noun
  • Simmons said investigators found clothing passengers had shed to cool off and claw marks on the trailer's walls.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The responding Oak Bluffs police officers saw bruises on her legs and a red mark on her neck, Scalice said.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of mark
Noun
  • Products include hot dogs, sausages, bologna, brisket, bacon, loaf, corn beef and ham.
    — Eva Flowe October 21, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026
  • On the deli and market side, Travel by Taste offers ingredients inclufing a full spice rack, feta cheeses, specialty bread like tandoori-style pita, Martedella bologna, and Halal-quality meats.
    — Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of bologna
Verb
  • On the other side, if OpenAI posts its own collateral, or achieves a high enough credit rating, Nvidia's guarantee ends.
    — Kif Leswing,Isabel O'Brien, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Two fraudulent videos targeting the Senate candidate were posted on Tuesday on X by an account created last month that had few followers.
    — Shannon Bond, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of post

Browse Nearby Words

frangible
frank
franked
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Cite this Entry

“Frank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frank. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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