white lie

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.

Not even a white lie to avoid upsetting someone?

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026

In her short fur coat and bright pink lips, she said she is well aware of "everything that's happening in the world, and where black and white lie."

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

"When we arrange pick-ups, we tell a white lie," the staff member said.

From BBC • Dec. 11, 2025

During an interview last Thursday with CNN's Christian Amanpour, the former president told a big fib, or what could more generously be described as a white lie.

From Salon • Jun. 29, 2023

They were obviously brand-new, though, and I watched his reaction to this: Would he allow himself to believe a white lie, if it meant he got something he wanted?

From "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse