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.

“Government officials have a solemn duty to provide honest, well-grounded facts and advice in service of the public interest—not to advance their own personal or ideological agendas.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

“It breaks my heart to see these fine families getting separated and having to live in fear, when all they want is to make an honest living.”

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

So, there is a level of hesitancy," he said. "But to be honest, that level of hesitancy can be overcome through price stimulation.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

"A lot of other people, you know, you read stories where they become basket cases. To be honest, I'm not a basket case."

From Barron's • Apr. 26, 2026

“Be honest with me, did you get mugged by a hot dog or something?”

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

Vocabulary lists containing honest

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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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