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.

Some of that is deliberate cheating; some, maybe more, is from honest mistakes.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

Just like on the dating profile, I wanted to be honest.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

"Well, I use AI personally rather than at work, I've got to be honest," Kendall said.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

“Be honest about what brings you joy in the relationship,” says Lutter, “and suggest what you can offer to continue keeping that vision a reality.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

To be honest, I’ve never tried all that hard.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

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