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.

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

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

Ahmed: It wasn’t that careerist and calculating, to be honest.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

"I've not really enjoyed the previous two tournaments if I'm being honest," Clarke tells BBC Scotland in a candid interview.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

If he’s honest with himself, I think he’d agree.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

He and Alicia looked at Zeke in a kind way, one Zeke knew was well meant but didn’t much care for, if he was honest.

From "Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody" by Patrick Ness

Vocabulary lists containing honest

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"Macbeth" Vocabulary from Act IV

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