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

Derived 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.

“The premium consumer is candidly immune or becoming more immune to the headlines and not delaying their investment in the experience economy,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian said on the earnings call.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

It is “unfair to say the court is abdicating its authority,” said the ex-prosecutor, who also requested anonymity to speak candidly about the district’s judges.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

When Sinner lost to his Spanish rival in September's US Open final, he candidly talked about needing to bring more variety and unpredictability to the court.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

He is betting the Western alliance will be healthier if America’s allies candidly air their disagreements with the president, rather than tiptoe around him.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 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