candor

American  

[kan-der] / ˈkæn dər /

especially British, candour

noun

1. the state or quality of being frank, open, and sincere in speech or expression; candidness.

   The candor of the speech impressed the audience.

2. freedom from bias; fairness; impartiality.

   to consider an issue with candor.

   Synonyms:

   truthful, honesty, frankness, openness

3. Obsolete. kindliness.

4. Obsolete. purity.

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Etymology

Origin of candor

First recorded in 1350–1400 (for sense “extreme whiteness”); Middle English, from Latin: “radiance, whiteness”; candid, -or ¹

Example Sentences

That candor doubles as an appealing quality to analysts like Lee, who appreciate Karp’s “transparent communication style.”

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

But Sickler pointed out that this remarkable level of candor in the audience is something he continues to marvel about.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

Shiffrin’s candor thrust her to the center of ongoing discussions about mental health in sports.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

Without candor during a history and physical, medicine fails.

From Slate • Jan. 26, 2026

“Well I could say the same,” I retorted, with less than total candor.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

Related Words

• directness
• fairness
• frankness
• honesty
• outspokenness
• probity
• simplicity
• sincerity
• truthfulness