candor
Americannoun
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the state or quality of being frank, open, and sincere in speech or expression; candidness.
The candor of the speech impressed the audience.
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freedom from bias; fairness; impartiality.
to consider an issue with candor.
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Obsolete. kindliness.
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Obsolete. purity.
Etymology
Origin of candor
First recorded in 1350–1400 (for sense “extreme whiteness”); Middle English, from Latin: “radiance, whiteness”; candid, -or 1
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.
That candor doubles as an appealing quality to analysts like Lee, who appreciate Karp’s “transparent communication style.”
From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026
Yes, it’s brushed with the unbridled humor and candor that fans of the Emmy-winning actor with a résumé that includes “Married ... With Children” and “Dead to Me” have come to expect.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026
He writes about race relations with similar candor.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 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
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.
