candidly
Americanadverb
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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.
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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.
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fairly and impartially; honestly.
“Look at these matters candidly, Mr. Editor,” wrote one subscriber.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of candidly
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.
Europe’s presidents and prime ministers gathered for an emergency meeting at “The Space Egg,” as the European Council headquarters is known, told to come alone with no phones, to speak candidly.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026
"I'm 44 now, and, candidly, I'm living it," he said, he said of the Dream.
From BBC ● Jul. 2, 2026
The legendary singer and beloved pop culture icon spoke candidly about her health in an Instagram video posted Monday morning, months after she sparked health concerns late last year.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 4, 2026
“The idea that we should have to identify ourselves and create this link to our identity that removes our ability to safely and candidly critique power and wealth is crazy to me.”
From Salon ● Apr. 16, 2026
It deals candidly with emotion, and, unlike other children’s shows, tells children that it’s okay not to be happy all of the time.
From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell
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.
