half-truth

noun

Synonyms of half-truthnext
1
: a statement that is only partially true
2
: a statement that mingles truth and falsehood with deliberate intent to deceive

Examples of half-truth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
People who rely on half-truths often underestimate how visible their behavior becomes. Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026 In this environment, influencers and politically motivated accounts now function as de facto broadcasters, often spreading half-truths, distortions or outright falsehoods with little accountability. Editorial, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026 Over the next 90 years, tourism in Natchez blossomed around half-truths and omissions. Joe Sills, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026 Social media spread half-truths faster than public-health leaders could correct them. Robert Pearl, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025 Seasoned watchers of Potomac will know this to be a half-truth. Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 8 Dec. 2025 In a field crowded by lore, half-truths, and marketing copy, Chartreuse distinguishes itself by being the real deal. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 6 Dec. 2025 In a world where images are so numerous and so difficult to understand, truth itself can be in danger, threatened by false interpretations and distorted, misleading half-truths. Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025 The intrigue in The Martians comes from its author’s patient demonstration of how half-truths and subjective observations can snowball into consensus. David Kamp, Air Mail, 23 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of half-truth was in 1628

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Half-truth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half-truth. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

half-truth

noun
-ˌtrüth
: a statement that is only partly true
especially : one that deliberately mixes truth and falsehood

More from Merriam-Webster on half-truth

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster