falsehood

noun

false·​hood ˈfȯls-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce falsehood (audio)
1
: an untrue statement : lie
spreading falsehoods about his opponent
2
: absence of truth or accuracy
The falsehood of this narrative made it no less effective.Peniel E. Joseph
3
: the practice of lying : mendacity
… Thomas Jefferson … accused the press of engaging in "falsehood and defamation" while covering his administration.Albert R. Hunt

Examples of falsehood in a Sentence

the line between truth and falsehood the possibility of a perpetual motion machine is one falsehood that has been disproved by modern physics
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.
The right side is nearly always wrong and blatantly lying, while the left side supposedly stumbles into falsehood every once in a while. Tim Graham, Boston Herald, 25 Oct. 2025 The only way forward is through compromise and cooperation — not falsehoods and finger-pointing. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025 His falsehoods would catch up with him less than a year after his term began. NPR, 17 Oct. 2025 The plans, along with comments by top GOP lawmakers, show how rumors and conspiracy theories can gain an air of legitimacy due to social media and a political climate infused with falsehoods, some political scientists and researchers say. Stephanie Armour, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for falsehood

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of falsehood was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Falsehood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/falsehood. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

falsehood

noun
false·​hood ˈfȯls-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce falsehood (audio)
1
: an untrue statement : lie
2
: the habit of lying

More from Merriam-Webster on falsehood

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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