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Definitions

dishonest

[dis-on-ist] / dɪsˈɒn ɪst /
ADJECTIVE
lying, untruthful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
corrupt crooked deceitful deceptive false fraudulent misleading shady sneaky underhanded unfair unprincipled unscrupulous untrustworthy
WEAK
backbiting bent bluffing cheating crafty cunning deceiving designing disreputable double-crossing double-dealing elusive guileful hoodwinking mendacious perfidious recreant shifty sinister slippery sneaking swindling traitorous treacherous tricky two-faced two-timing unctuous villainous wily
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aboveboard ethical fair faithful forthright frank genuine good honest honorable just moral open principled real reliable straight trustworthy truthful upright valid
WEAK
scrupulous

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.

A dishonest fiduciary is often counting on you becoming financially and emotionally exhausted.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 11, 2026

But I guess that’s just the kind of sloppy and dishonest lawyering that’s led to some of these ethics complaints in the first place.

From Slate • Mar. 6, 2026

They had committed to teaching our children, cleaning up our air and water, holding dishonest businesses to account.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

"The findings of misconduct are serious as they include a teacher displaying dishonest behaviour," he added.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

Unlike Blanca, I believed it was dishonest people that brought change.

From "Bodega Dreams" by Ernesto Quinonez

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.