belying

VERB

disprove

Synonyms

STRONGEST

contradict negate repudiate

STRONG

confute contravene controvert deny disagree explode gainsay negative oppose

WEAK

disaffirm

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approve

STRONG

affirm agree aid allow assist concur consent endorse go along harmonize help prove

WEAK

attest be honest

VERB

deceive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

distort gloss over mislead misstate

STRONG

color conceal disguise falsify garble hide misrepresent pervert twist warp

WEAK

give the lie to miscolor trump up

Antonyms

STRONG

disclose divulge expose lay bare let out open represent reveal show straighten tell uncover unmask

WEAK

attest be honest prove

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.

Anselmet pushed on, his smooth metronomic movements belying the intense physical effort required on the unrelenting course.

From Barron's • Feb. 21, 2026

In addition, the artist comes off as smarmy and contentious at times, belying his “holy man” persona and populist vibe.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2025

Charles Leclerc took the final podium position, belying his pre-race pessimism, fending off the McLaren of Oscar Piastri for the final 27 laps.

From BBC • Aug. 25, 2024

Leonardo told the full story gradually, circling back to reveal more details, his quiet, matter-of-fact tone belying the horror of his account.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 13, 2024

Plastered across the width of the paper was a giant picture of us—my sisters and I huddled together under last year’s scrappy little Christmas tree, happy as mariposas, our bright smiles belying our alleged situation.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall