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.

A trillion is a thousand times more than a billion, but let’s be honest: I could have told you it was a million times more and you probably would have believed me.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Yang: Last week was the window when our producers could be very honest with us and say if something may not be working.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

"I've not really enjoyed the previous two tournaments if I'm being honest," Clarke tells BBC Scotland in a candid interview.

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

He understood its people, both honest and corrupt.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

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