Synonyms

candidly

American

[kan-did-lee] / ˈkæn dɪd li /

adverb

in a frank, outspoken, straightforward way; openly and without holding back.

We created a neutral space where everyone could speak candidly about race issues and also work side-by-side in "co-designing" solutions.
without any posing or scripting, and typically without the knowledge of the person being photographed or filmed.

We are stealing from our subjects when we work candidly—stealing moments, expressions, emotions, positions, and movements.
fairly and impartially; honestly.

“Look at these matters candidly, Mr. Editor,” wrote one subscriber.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of candidly

candid ( def. ) + -ly

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.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones: Candidly, if Philadelphia can pull it off... they're from our division...

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2025

“I know people want answers. Candidly, we don’t have the final answer,” Beane said, while noting the Bills also don’t intend on rushing White back on the field.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 30, 2022

"Candidly, at that time, I was not in a good state of mind," Van Dyke added.

From Salon • Oct. 2, 2021

Candidly assessing his co-stars, Mr. Beatty said that Broadway had come to rely too heavily on celebrities, thrusting them into challenging roles they did not have the acting chops to handle.

From New York Times • Jun. 13, 2021

DUMBLEDORE: Candidly, Harry, it seemed a great weight to place upon the poor boy.

From "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" by J.K. Rowling

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023