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.

“He was a very upright, very honest man,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2026

"What is an honest entrepreneur supposed to do in this situation? Shut down?"

From Barron's • Jun. 30, 2026

While literature may give us the most vivid and honest record of the American experience, our architecture gives us the most idealistic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 27, 2026

"If I struggle, I struggle, I'm going to be honest about how I feel," said Hayley, who lives in Maesteg, near Bridgend.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026

To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure I’d ever known Hannie find anything difficult.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Vocabulary lists containing honest

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"Macbeth" Vocabulary from Act IV

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