frankly

adverb

frank·​ly ˈfraŋ-klē How to pronounce frankly (audio)
Synonyms of franklynext
1
: in a frank manner
spoke frankly
2
: in truth : indeed
Frankly, I don't know.

Synonyms of frankly

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Examples of frankly in a Sentence

You can speak frankly to us. frankly, I'd rather stay at home than go to the movies tonight
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
And, frankly, Chubb's account paints Jackson as overreacting, if the Buffalo Bills linebacker is to be believed. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Also, frankly, some kids have a princess phase no matter how much parents might try to avoid it. — Anna Earl, Parents, 15 Oct. 2026 Communications technologies are not the only factor (or frankly even the most important factor) shaping the exercise of power. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026 Sources close to Al-Khelaifi, speaking anonymously in order to discuss proceedings frankly, pushed back strongly against the idea that PSG wholly opposed the bill. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for frankly

Word History

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of frankly was in 1537

Rhymes for frankly

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Browse Nearby Words

Franklin tree
frankly
frankmarriage
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Cite this Entry

“Frankly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frankly. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

frankly

adverb
frank·​ly ˈfraŋ-klē How to pronounce frankly (audio)
1
: in a frank manner
you can speak frankly to us
2
: to tell the truth
frankly, I don't think it's wise
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