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.

“I gotta be honest with you,” Vance told “Fox & Friends” on Friday, “I don’t really understand these things. I have never been particularly into diplomatic protocols.”

From Salon • Jun. 22, 2026

“He was a giant of a man who helped shape the U.S. economy for decades under presidents of both parties, but was always honest in acknowledging his mistakes.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 22, 2026

“He was a giant of a man who helped shape the U.S. economy for decades under presidents of both parties, but was always honest in acknowledging his mistakes,” Mitchell said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026

"I haven't seen a GP for about two years. I've booked an appointment next Friday, but I've been avoiding it — and to be honest, I don't know why."

From BBC • Jun. 21, 2026

But still, I wish I could have been honest.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Vocabulary lists containing honest

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