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.

“The shark nets, to be honest, in my opinion it’s pointless,” said Rob Renald, 41, who works in oil and gas, and lives about a mile from the Club Med beach.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

If I'm being honest, two percent is not enough, and so two percent is freeloading.

From Barron's • May 30, 2026

His performance, according to Nils Lofgren, one of the guitarists in the 19-piece E Street Band, was a “brutally honest and melodic statement of Truth.”

From Salon • May 29, 2026

Nacua’s “security in being able to be authentically honest about” seeking help was admirable, coach Sean McVay said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

As I watched the genuine affection of these merchant brothers, I wondered if I could reform a man like Samir, to make him honest.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri

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