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.

"To be honest, it was by accident, as most discoveries are," Yang said.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

Our critic praised the show, saying “as an honest, comprehensive portrait of a singular, impassioned artist, ‘Wifredo Lam’ is genuinely stirring.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

"I'll be honest, French food isn't really for me," laughs Tyler Morton.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Her performance is staggeringly human, so honest and unvarnished that it immediately calls to mind Meryl Streep’s similarly prickly work in “Sophie’s Choice.”

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

To be honest, the way Colin describes it, it does sound a bit ridiculous.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

honest

Example Sentences

Related Words