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.

I was watching “Real Housewives of New Jersey” at the time, being completely honest.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 15, 2026

"I don't think we know, to be honest, at this stage."

From Barron's • Jun. 14, 2026

If we can become a kid again — our most honest, impressionable, open-hearted self — in that theater seat, we’ll believe anything is possible.

From Salon • Jun. 13, 2026

“If the answers are honest and you can afford it without destabilizing yourself, have the best time and go! Don’t let anyone guilt you out of joy you’ve budgeted for,” she told MarketWatch.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 12, 2026

He’s a little vain about his whiskers, to be honest.

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz

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