Meaning & use

frankly

adverb·Everyday

Speaking honestly and directly, even if the truth might be uncomfortable.

See it in a sentence

Frankly, I don't think the plan will work without more funding.

She spoke frankly about the challenges the company was facing.

A note on using this word

Often placed at the start of a sentence to signal that blunt honesty is about to follow, as in "frankly, I'm worried."

Words with a similar meaning

honestlycandidlybluntly

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

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