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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.

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

Many fans discovered her via the track “new friends,” an honest and lighthearted bop about not wanting to be friends with an ex.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Better yet, Mr. Klingbeil is prepared to sell reforms to German voters in a bracingly honest way.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

That said, is it possible this was just an honest mistake and that I could continue working with them?

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Cleveland’s Plain Dealer reported, “We incline to believe them in good part the work of deception” and yet, “a great many of those involved … are thoroughly honest and sincere.”

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.