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tell the truth

VERB
level
Synonyms
WEAK
be above-board be frank be on the up and up be open be straight be straightforward be up-front come clean come to terms keep nothing back talk straight
Antonyms
STRONG
lie prevaricate
WEAK
deceive
VERB
own
Synonyms
STRONG
allow avow concede confess declare disclose grant recognize
WEAK
assent to come clean let on make clean breast of own up
Antonyms
STRONG
conceal condemn deny disapprove disavow disclaim disown dispute hide refuse reject repudiate secrete

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.

See Examples For:

The legislation would impose a duty on public authorities and officials to tell the truth and proactively co-operate with official investigations and inquiries.

From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026

Leaders can make it easier for workers to tell the truth by being specific, normalizing feedback and closing the loop, writes CEO coach Sabina Nawaz.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 17, 2026

Why should litigants and witnesses tell the truth if the judge cannot even tell the truth?

From Slate ● Jun. 8, 2026

I could listen to her tell the truth back.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 5, 2026

It wasn’t that hot, to tell the truth.

From "Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story" by Nora Raleigh Baskin

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