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.

General questions like “How am I doing?” become invitations to give managers praise and reassurance, even if you emphasize that you want honest input.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

And, to be honest, I didn’t think they would be that hard to avoid as I got older.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

The James Bond thing came right at the end, to be honest, of the creative process.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

Bosses often struggle to get honest feedback from direct reports, who are “psychologically programmed to reassure” them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

“I don’t think so? I’ve gotta be honest, I’ve never had to use the eye wash station in twelve years of teaching.”

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

Vocabulary lists containing honest

Positive Words to Describe a Person

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The Silent Treatment: Words Plagued by Silent Letters

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"Macbeth" Vocabulary from Act IV

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