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’ll be honest — I’m very nervous every time.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

"I did not know that number," the billionaire Trump told the New York Post, adding "I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn't pay it either, to be honest with you."

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

“I’ll be honest, I thought we had turned the corner,” Morad said.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

“It’s a blur to be honest with you,” midfielder Declan Rice said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

“I see. Thank you for being honest with me. I appreciate that you have a heavy course load and I won’t keep you much longer.”

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

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