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.

Honestly, I just tried to make something as honest and authentic and vulnerable as possible, if that doesn’t sound too eye-rolly.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

And Tusk is seeking to dampen the spat, appealing to both Zelensky and Nawrocki to have "a direct and honest conversation" before things spiral out of hand.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

"I think being a little bit more savvy, understanding that being too honest at times is probably too much of a fault for us."

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

I’ve noted before the show’s Bill Whitaker pushing aside the UFO baby talk to give an honest account of enemy drones in U.S. military training sites.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

If you feel unfairly challenged, take an honest look at the situation to understand your fears.’”

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

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