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 hostess working the front desk at the bar compliments my hair, which, to be honest, is in desperate need of a cut.

From Slate • Jun. 2, 2026

An honest university works hard to advance students who are ready for the workload.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

His performance, according to Nils Lofgren, one of the guitarists in the 19-piece E Street Band, was a “brutally honest and melodic statement of Truth.”

From Salon • May 29, 2026

So every moment is a moment of gratitude and humility, to be honest.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure I’d ever known Hannie find anything difficult.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

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