white lie

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.

Not even a white lie to avoid upsetting someone?

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026

In her short fur coat and bright pink lips, she said she is well aware of "everything that's happening in the world, and where black and white lie."

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

"When we arrange pick-ups, we tell a white lie," the staff member said.

From BBC • Dec. 11, 2025

Those checks were rudimentary: With a click and a white lie, anyone could pass.

From New York Times • Jul. 3, 2023

So any little bad thing he ever done—a white lie here, a small mistake there—whirled through his mind as he twirled through the clouds.

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney