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.

His entry was raw and honest and he won.

From Slate • Apr. 12, 2026

I would encourage you to get more clarity from your co-worker on the terms of their marriage, and exactly how open and honest they and their wife have been with each other.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

"I know who my neighbours are here, but you don't know anyone, to be honest with you."

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Tradwife content whitewashes history, but an honest look shows that contempt for housewives was a widespread theme in the past.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

“I don’t think so? I’ve gotta be honest, I’ve never had to use the eye wash station in twelve years of teaching.”

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

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