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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.

He’s disgusted that his own former office cannot be trusted to tell the truth in court.

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026

Well, it is always necessary to tell the truth, calmly and forthrightly, in the face of propaganda.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026

What HHS needs are serious people who will tell the truth and can begin to restore confidence in public-health advice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

"It's a path to healing. We're waiting for answers, the truth, for them to tell the truth; we're not asking for anything more," she told journalists.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

Does Maddie really think I’m not a good person simply because I want to tell the truth?

From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon

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