candid
Americanadjective
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frank; outspoken; open and sincere.
a candid critic.
- Synonyms:
- plain, straightforward, guileless, ingenuous
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free from reservation, disguise, or subterfuge; straightforward.
a candid opinion.
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a candid photo.
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a candid mind.
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Archaic. white.
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Archaic. clear; pure.
noun
adjective
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frank and outspoken
he was candid about his dislike of our friends
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without partiality; unbiased
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unposed or informal
a candid photograph
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obsolete
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white
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clear or pure
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Related Words
See frank 1.
Other Word Forms
- candidly adverb
- candidness noun
- pseudocandid adjective
- quasi-candid adjective
- subcandid adjective
- supercandid adjective
- uncandid adjective
Etymology
Origin of candid
First recorded in 1620–30; (from French candide ) from Latin candidus “shining white,” equivalent to cand(ēre) “to be shining white” (akin to incense 1 ) + -idus -id 4
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
And while Messrs. Bousquet, Devillard and Schaller, three French film critics, are undeniably in awe of their subject, they offer candid assessments of Mr. Scorsese’s choices over the years—both professional and personal.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026
At times their own desires and tastes take a backseat to the demands of others, and Nguyen also captures moments when candid feelings of frustration and ambivalence slip through.
From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026
She has promised to be "candid" with the US president.
From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026
Loubna Mrie’s candid and absorbing memoir, ‘Defiance,’ is a stark reminder of the corruptions of power, the uncertainties of revolution and the frequent viciousness of human nature.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026
She was candid with me about how she’d misjudged the country’s readiness to have a proactive professional woman in the role of First Lady.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
