half-truth

noun

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.
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 As usual, the fake posts are often mixed with half-truths. John Brandon, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025 Well, not a lie, but a half-truth. Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2025 Advertisement Dunham, who wrote and directed the episode, also seeds their interactions with the distractions, evasions, and half-truths of two people with baggage who aren’t yet comfortable baring their whole souls. Judy Berman, Time, 10 July 2025 Gutter guard companies and salesmen may be spewing half-truths to you. Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025 Science and reason get stepped on by half-truths and conspiracy theories. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 11 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Half-truth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half-truth. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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

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