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.

He said he is so honest, “I practically sweat holy water.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

Sabalenka's emotions were still raw in an honest post-match news conference which she began by dryly claiming she wanted to quit tennis.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

Jay Spector, a certified financial planner and co-CEO of EverVest Financial, uses a “reality-based investment philosophy” with his clients, where “long-term financial success starts with being honest about your current situation,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

“I mean, they need to be able to do that. But they just, you know, they need to pay more attention to the crooks than people trying to make an honest living.”

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026

“But before we go, we wanted to get serious for a minute and say that, to be honest, climate change never really mattered to us much before.”

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

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