Definitions

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.

Honest critics can and do debate the estimate.

From Slate • Jun. 3, 2026

By mid-summer, Varidon was representing Alliance for Consumers Action Fund; Consumers’ Research; The Honest Election Project, an affiliate of The 85 Fund; as well as other Leo entities in 25 states.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

Honest is the funniest person in my life.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

"Honest and law-abiding Japanese entities have nothing to worry about," it added.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

“They will go better, Lizza! Honest they will! Soon as I work my good-luck spell!”

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham

Vocabulary lists containing honest

Positive Words to Describe a Person

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The Silent Treatment: Words Plagued by Silent Letters

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"Macbeth" Vocabulary from Act IV

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