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
He's previously claimed the track was inspired by a sunset in Malibu, but it turns out that that's a little white lie.
From BBC ● Jan. 6, 2025
Those checks were rudimentary: With a click and a white lie, anyone could pass.
From New York Times ● Jul. 3, 2023
They were obviously brand-new, though, and I watched his reaction to this: Would he allow himself to believe a white lie, if it meant he got something he wanted?
From "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse
