Definitions

dishonest

[dis-on-ist] / dɪsˈɒn ɪst /

ADJECTIVE

lying, untruthful

Synonyms

STRONGEST

corrupt crooked deceitful deceptive false fraudulent misleading shady sneaky underhanded unfair unprincipled unscrupulous untrustworthy

WEAK

backbiting bent bluffing cheating crafty cunning deceiving designing disreputable double-crossing double-dealing elusive guileful hoodwinking mendacious perfidious recreant shifty sinister slippery sneaking swindling traitorous treacherous tricky two-faced two-timing unctuous villainous wily

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aboveboard ethical fair faithful forthright frank genuine good honest honorable just moral open principled real reliable straight trustworthy truthful upright valid

WEAK

scrupulous

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.

At least we cannot claim the president is dishonest about his intentions.

From Salon • May 3, 2026

"But there wasn't much I could do about it. But to actually steal the whole concept and not say anything, I think is just dishonest."

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

A dishonest fiduciary is often counting on you becoming financially and emotionally exhausted.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 11, 2026

State Bar Chief Trial Counsel George Cardona said in a statement the allegations, if proved, “represent dishonest and illegal conduct.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

In order to be profoundly dishonest, a person must have one of two qualities: either he is unscrupulously ambitious, or he is unswervingly egocentric.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

Vocabulary lists containing dishonest

Power Prefix: dis-

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Fake It 'Til You Make It: Synonyms for "False"

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dis-

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