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.

"That would have made quite a difference to be honest; somebody acknowledging what happened to the children who were placed in their care."

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

"I wouldn't pay it either, to be honest with you," the US president told the New York Post.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

And the job for some offers a rare opportunity at the top of business—being paid to be honest with your boss.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

"The door's shut and you're in someone's house… I was young, I didn't really know what to really do, to be honest."

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

As I watched the genuine affection of these merchant brothers, I wondered if I could reform a man like Samir, to make him honest.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri

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