frankness

noun

Definition of franknessnext
as in honesty
the free expression of one's true feelings and opinions considering her reputation for frankness, I knew she would tell me what she really thought of my dress

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 frankness As for the universality of her hypnotic, soulful sound and her dynamic, jazzy mezzo-soprano voice, Kidjo’s singing in five languages (Fon, French, Yorùbá, Gen-Mina and English) has forever been key to the funk, its frankness and her grace. — A.d. Amorosi, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026 Hayden Panettiere, the child actor who rose to stardom in television and also spoke with raw frankness about her struggles with fame and mental health, died Sunday, according to her family. — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026 Her love for the city is palpable, imbued with her frankness, her fun, her queerness, and her history. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026 In the case of non-professionals, especially children, generosity should prevail over frankness. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2026 Fulmer also delivers some comedic moments as Alycia, whose fast-talking frankness can be quite funny, albeit tone-deaf at times. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 Her emotional frankness has also translated into measurable commercial impact. — Amy Francombe, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2026 From a cultural perspective, William's frankness is a significant development. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026 White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt brushed off those comments as an example of the president’s frankness. — Brett Samuels, The Hill, 8 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frankness
  1. honesty
  2. sincerity
  3. directness
  4. bluntness
  5. forthrightness
  6. candor
  7. candidness
Noun
  • Later, the Moon opposes Uranus in your 1st House of Self, which may bring a sudden need for independence, honesty, or a different pace.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In the moments of incredible sensitivity, humor, or honesty that keep people engrossed.
    — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of honesty
Noun
  • There’s a tonal tug-of-war in this movie between naughtiness and aching sincerity.
    — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Mitchell’s own imitation of Spielbergian life, despite its meticulous re-creation (and gleeful destruction) of eighties suburbia, stumbles into an uncanny valley between sincerity and cynicism, between unintentional comedy and deliberate homage.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of sincerity
Noun
  • Similar is true of Dan Ndoye, the Swiss international, who has impressed Glasner with his pace and directness since returning from an extended break following World Cup duty.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Marius, approaching 50, is a big doctor in this provincial city, not just a surgeon but the director of the hospital, and a man who prides himself on his directness and honesty.
    — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of directness
Noun
  • What Premier League clubs have shifted away from is — and apologies for the bluntness here — tolerating goalkeepers who aren’t good enough at saving shots.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The Venezuela native never shied away from bluntness — and profanity — in assessing players, plays, games or whatever.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of bluntness
Noun
  • Alvarado has had to address that in the wake of the film’s release, and perhaps that forthrightness has aided the box office.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
  • Your forthrightness will set the tone for future dates.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 6 June 2026
Definition of forthrightness
Noun
  • The Constant reproach to the Königsberg case is that candor and confession can become cruelty by another name.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • List three contexts in which the headwinds against your candor are strongest.
    — Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of candor
Noun
  • Lee told the Queen that her husband’s candidness has encouraged many to feel more comfortable with their own cancer journeys.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 19 Aug. 2026
  • In conversation, Friedland is rapaciously curious, if slightly disorganized, prone to tangents that lead to a candidness that can verge on cringe or awkward.
    — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026
Definition of candidness

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frankness
franks
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Cite this Entry

“Frankness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frankness. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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