Definitions

honest

[on-ist] / ˈɒn ɪst /

ADJECTIVE

truthful, candid

Synonyms

STRONGEST

authentic conscientious decent equitable fair forthright genuine honorable impartial proper reliable sincere straightforward true trustworthy virtuous

WEAK

aboveboard bona fide direct ethical fair and square frank high-minded ingenuous just law-abiding lay it on the line like it is no lie on the level on the up and up open outright plain real reputable scrupulous straight true blue trusty undisguised unfeigned upfront upright veracious what you see is what you get

Antonyms

STRONGEST

biased corrupt counterfeit deceitful deceptive devious dishonest false insincere irresponsible partial prejudiced unfair unjust unreal unreasonable unreliable unsuitable untrustworthy

WEAK

fraudulent lying misleading treacherous untruthful

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.

“To be honest, as a Scotsman we don’t get stressed. We’re here for the party—no Scotland, no party.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 25, 2026

"It was just when I made a silly tackle, to be honest," Bellingham said.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

"If AI is to help build a better future, it must be honest about what it costs us now."

From Barron's • Jun. 23, 2026

The honest answer starts with what made the Greenspan years work, and it wasn’t the put.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 23, 2026

‘Okay, I’ll be honest with you,’ she said.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Vocabulary lists containing honest

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