candid
6 synonyms and 3 antonyms for candid, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Honest and direct, even when the truth might be uncomfortable.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
plainspoken
forthright
Antonyms
How to use candid
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
candid opinion
candid photo
to be candid
Etymology
From Latin candidus, "white, bright", the same root that gives "candour" and "candle" — the idea of being "clear" as well as "shining."
Full origin of candid →Frequently asked questions
What does “candid” mean?
The word “candid” means honest and direct, even when the truth might be uncomfortable. In plain terms, being frank and truthful, or (for photos) natural and unstaged.
How do you pronounce “candid”?
“Candid” is pronounced KAN-dihd (/ˈkæn.dɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “candid” in a sentence?
Here is “candid” used in a sentence: “He gave a candid account of the company's failures.”
What part of speech is “candid”?
Depending on how it is used, “candid” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “candid” come from?
The word “candid” comes from Latin. From Latin candidus, "white, bright", the same root that gives "candour" and "candle" — the idea of being "clear" as well as "shining.".
Is “candid” a common word?
“Candid” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “candid” have?
“Candid” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: honest and direct, even when the truth might be uncomfortable.
