crossword clue frankness – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling a puzzle and the clue is "frankness", you've landed on the perfect page. We provide all the potential answers, categorized by their length, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck.
Solutions for "crossword clue frankness" by Letter Count
6 Letters
CANDOR: The quality of being open and honest in expression; outspokenness.
8 Letters
OPENNESS: The state of being open, honest, and direct, without hidden agendas.
9 Letters
BLUNTNESS: Characterized by being direct and straightforward, often without regard for politeness.
SINCERITY: The quality of being free from pretense, deceit, or hypocrisy; honesty.
14 Letters
FORTHRIGHTNESS: Directness in speech; candor.
More About "frankness"
Frankness, as a concept, refers to the quality of being open, sincere, and direct in speech or expression. It implies a lack of hidden motives or pretense, where one speaks their mind without reserve. In crossword puzzles, clues like "frankness" are popular because they allow for a range of synonyms, each with slightly different connotations, fitting various letter counts. This makes it a versatile clue for crossword setters.
While often seen as a positive trait, leading to clear communication and trust, frankness can sometimes be perceived negatively if not tempered with tact. This duality can sometimes be reflected in crossword clues, which might specify "brutal frankness" or "refreshing frankness" to guide the solver towards a more specific synonym like BLUNTNESS or CANDOR.
Understanding the nuances of words like frankness and its many synonyms (such as candor, openness, honesty, sincerity, bluntness, and forthrightness) is key to becoming a proficient crossword solver. Each synonym, while similar in meaning, might fit a different context or letter count in a puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For clues like "frankness," think broadly about words with similar meanings (candor, openness) and sometimes even their opposites if the clue is framed as "lack of frankness."
- Check Letter Count and Surrounding Letters: Always use the given letter count as your primary filter. If you have some letters already filled in from intersecting words, use those to narrow down possibilities rapidly.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes, the clue might include an adjective that hints at a specific type of frankness (e.g., "Blunt frankness" for BLUNTNESS). Pay attention to these subtle hints.
- Think About Parts of Speech: Is the clue a noun, verb, or adjective? Your answer must match. "Frankness" is a noun, so the answers are also nouns.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'frankness' a common crossword clue?
The concept of 'frankness' has many synonyms and related terms like candor, honesty, openness, and directness, which allows for a variety of answer lengths. Its common usage in language also makes it a familiar and versatile term for setters to use.
What's the subtle difference between 'candor' and 'frankness'?
'Frankness' generally refers to being direct and honest in speech, often without reservation. 'Candor' often implies a more pure, sincere, and usually benevolent honesty, sometimes with an added sense of purity of mind or innocence in the truth-telling.
How can I improve my vocabulary for crossword puzzles?
Regularly reading a wide range of materials, using a thesaurus, practicing with various types of puzzles, and even playing word games can significantly enhance your vocabulary and clue-solving abilities for crosswords. Paying attention to synonyms and antonyms of common words is particularly helpful.