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.

It’s radical to love someone because they’re honest, not in spite of their honesty.

From Salon • 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

“We want to have honest voting in our country,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

But, if I’m honest, the way my former friends treated me still stings.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller