plural truths ˈtrüt͟hz How to pronounce truth (audio) ˈtrüths How to pronounce truth (audio)
Synonyms of truthnext
1
a(1)
: the body of real things, events, and facts : actuality
actions guided by truth
also : the real facts about something
need to face the truth
Tell me the truth.
You think I don't care, but nothing could be further from the truth. [=that is absolutely not true]
I said I liked it, but truth be told/known [=really, honestly], it was awful.
(2)
: the state of being the case : fact
the truth of the matter
(3)
often Truth : a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality
A movie can depart from the strict truth and capture a broader, deeper truthAdrian J. Rivera
b(1)
: a judgment, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true
truths of thermodynamics
a basic/fundamental/eternal/universal truth of human nature
(2)
: truism
c
: the body of true statements and propositions
commitment to scientific truth
2
a
: the property (as of a statement) of being in accord with fact or reality
There's no truth in anything he says.
Her story contains a grain/kernel of truth.
I doubt the truth of their accusations.
b
chiefly British : true sense 2
Her propeller shaft was a trifle out of truthC. S. Forester
c
: fidelity to an original or to a standard
The actor struggled to find the truth of the character.
3
a
: sincerity in action, character, and utterance
… the absolute truth of his speech and the rectitude of his behavior.Ralph Waldo Emerson
see also live one's truth
b
archaic : fidelity, constancy
4
Truth Christian Science : god
see also:

Examples of truth in a Sentence

At some point you have to face the simple truth that we failed. Their explanation was simpler but came closer to the truth. The article explains the truth about global warming. A reporter soon discovered the truth. Do you swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Her story contains a grain of truth but also lots of exaggeration.
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.
There are multiple possible candidates, but in truth only one of them is the best fit. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2026 Protagonist Birdie Chang, now in her 20s, has gone to Whidbey Island to escape TV anchor Linzie King’s book about their abuser Calvin Boyer, but no one can get away from reckoning with the real truth of the past. Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026 No matter how sophisticated AI becomes, some truths endure. Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2026 Instead of chasing truth, the writer chases validation. Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 2 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for truth

Word History

Etymology

Middle English trewthe, from Old English trēowth fidelity; akin to Old English trēowe faithful — more at true entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Time Traveler
The first known use of truth was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Truth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truth. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

truth

noun
plural truths ˈtrüt͟hz How to pronounce truth (audio) ˈtrüths How to pronounce truth (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being true
2
: a true or accepted statement
3
: the body of real events or facts
4
: agreement with fact or reality

Biographical Definition

Truth

biographical name

Sojourner circa 1797–1883 American evangelist and reformer

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