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.

“The appropriate way to go about it is to communicate with people early, to be honest with them, straightforward with them,” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

"People ask me how it feels to make this discovery and, to be honest, I feel somewhat sad," Fodor said.

From Science Daily • May 19, 2026

Here’s the truth: We all, if we are honest, have something we could be doing differently or better.

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

"Such historic success can only be achieved through unwavering courage, rigorous self-discipline, and honest dedication to one's work," he wrote on X.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

He was being honest, but by the look on Mari’s face, she didn’t believe him.

From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste

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