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.

Our belief in work as, in Tocqueville’s words, “a necessary, natural and honest condition of humanity” is no longer a tacit assumption but a disputed viewpoint.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

But this time when I started dating, I decided to be honest and not out of any kind of virtue.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

“Be honest about what brings you joy in the relationship,” says Lutter, “and suggest what you can offer to continue keeping that vision a reality.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

If Sir Dieter is right, governments will have to be honest: the transition will cost more.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

“Eben, I’ve always been honest with you, or tried to be. That’s why I’ve got to show you this letter that came from Cousin Molly today.”

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney

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