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
Angry but empathetic, frank in its darkness but refusing to wallow in it, Tip Toe is a cry of frustration that cuts right to the heart. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026 Glimcher was unusually frank at the time about the thinking behind the changes. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 28 Sep. 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
  • Speculation and conspiracy theories have plagued Kirk’s death, fueled even by public figures such as Candace Owens, a longtime friend of Kirk, who has been outspoken about her belief that his death was orchestrated in an elaborate plot.
    — Mackenzie Chase, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
  • As an adult, Crawford's daughter Christina was outspoken about her troubled childhood in Brentwood.
    — Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of outspoken
Noun
  • An analysis of data from two previous clinical trials also showed that patients whose tumors showed stronger gamma delta T cell signatures tended to have better overall survival when treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors during chemotherapy.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
  • It was deemed Biden’s signature climate law, providing hundreds of billions of dollars for tax credits and programs to bolster the clean energy sector (much of that funding was repealed by the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act).
    — Maydeen Merino, The Washington Examiner, 15 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
  • Staff is still figuring out logistics, including when to mail out the checks.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
  • There’s hope the cameras could improve the situation, but also doubt that simply mailing out a slew of tickets will make a difference.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of mail
Adjective
  • Jones turned in a yeoman's effort, going 22-35 for 155 passing yards and two touchdowns while also keeping the Longhorn defense honest with his legs.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • In McDonnell, his supporters say, the mayor has an honest and principled leader who has managed to steady a department beset by low morale, dwindling staffing levels and aging facilities.
    — Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of honest
Noun
  • Apple 's market cap ended the day just under the $5 trillion dollar mark.
    — Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The documentary marks Joanna Natasegara’s feature directorial debut.
    — Christine Imarenezor, VIBE.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of mark
Noun
  • 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
  • As bologna is carved up with a knife, a copyright is carved up with words.
    — Schuyler Moore, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2026
Definition of bologna
Verb
  • In a statement posted to Facebook, the Wichita Police Department asked anyone with video of the incident to upload it so investigators could take a look.
    — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Vinyl records just posted their nineteenth consecutive year of growth, passing $1 billion in US sales in an era when streaming has made music essentially free.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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