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 hot dog

Related Words

frank

3 of 3

verb

as in to mail

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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
Davis was frank with the roughly 20 people in attendance, saying the November election will not be an easy victory. — Rachel Royster july 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026 This contrasts with England's assistant coach, Anthony Barry, whose frank assessments have been lauded. — Roger Trapp, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
Roll up a frank in a strip, and place on baking sheet. — Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025 Top that griddled pork-and-beef frank with your favorite fine-ground beef chili for hot dogs, then layer on a generous scoop of slaw from end to end. — Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 13 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
  • The experience of Jack Ma illustrates the limits imposed on entrepreneurs who become too powerful or politically outspoken.
    — Rainer Zitelmann, Fortune, 2 July 2026
  • The fact his reputation around the league points to him being outspoken cooled his value.
    — Tony Jones, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of outspoken
Noun
  • Lawmakers sent the budget to the governor Thursday afternoon for his signature.
    — Danielle Battaglia, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026
  • Other videos from the tournament show fans waving bright blue trash bags in unison — creating a sea of the team's signature color in the stands before kickoff.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of signature
Noun
  • Faster than a speeding frankfurter, in comes the second annual Wienie 500.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 22 May 2026
  • Small suggests thinking about a frankfurter being eaten by a coughing man.
    — Helen Dennis, Daily News, 16 Feb. 2025
Definition of frankfurter
Verb
  • Homeless residents, many of whom don’t have a car or are disabled, now have to travel outside of Skid Row to get stamps or mail a package.
    — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • For people who may be impacted by the several wildfires burning across Colorado, the Secretary of State's Office has resources for those voters who haven't yet mailed or dropped off their ballot.
    — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Definition of mail
Adjective
  • Refine a portfolio piece, build a small prototype, or share a draft with someone who gives honest notes.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
  • County officials have repeatedly warned that fraudulent claims take money away from public services and shift the tax burden to honest taxpayers.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026
Definition of honest
Noun
  • The Mega Millions jackpot blew past the half-billion-dollar mark ahead of the Tuesday, June 30, drawing, reaching $511 million with a cash value of $231 million.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The roughly 30-minute experience marks Night School’s first major horror title under Netflix following the studio’s 2021 acquisition and projects including Oxenfree II and the Black Mirror tie-in Thronglets.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 30 June 2026
Definition of mark
Noun
  • As bologna is carved up with a knife, a copyright is carved up with words.
    — Schuyler Moore, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Techniques like curing and smoking are common, and some deli meats (including mortadella and bologna) are made with ground meat and spices that are piped into a casing, then cooked.
    — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of bologna
Verb
  • Following Politico's report, Platner reiterated his denial in a video posted on social media the afternoon of July 6.
    — Terry Collins, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • Shortly afterward, somebody attempts to out him by hacking his Instagram profile and posting pictures of his real face in place of his cryptic avatar.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on frank

Nglish: Translation of frank for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about frank

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