Definitions

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.

Honest critics can and do debate the estimate.

From Slate • Jun. 3, 2026

Honest mistakes and statements made from lapses of memory are not lies.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

Honest to God, he’s like a weird hero to me.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

"Honest intensity. Unapologetic exploration. At 94, one does not slow down. One turns the volume up," he said.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

“I know who he is. They call him the Honest Cop. The party has its eye on him. It wouldn’t surprise me if he was put up for Assemblyman.”

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

Vocabulary lists containing honest

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"Macbeth" Vocabulary from Act IV

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