Entry Word: dishonest

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 telling or containing lies <dishonest kids who lie about their ages in order to get into R-rated movies> <dishonest statements about the fight in the locker room>

Synonyms lying, mendacious, untruthful

Related Words erroneous, fallacious, false, misleading; double-dealing, hypocritical, two-faced

Near Antonyms candid, open, straightforward; earnest, sincere, true

Antonyms honest, truthful, veracious

2 given to or marked by cheating and deception <dishonest car dealers who roll back mileage gauges> <dishonest business deals that landed him in jail>

Synonyms crooked, deceptive, fast, fraudulent, shady, sharp, shifty, underhand, underhanded

Related Words unconscionable, unethical, unprincipled, unscrupulous; deceitful, deceiving, deluding, delusive, delusory; artful, cunning; devious, furtive, sneaking, sneaky, tricky; insidious, perfidious, treacherous

Near Antonyms conscientious, honorable, just, scrupulous, upright; forthright, straightforward

Antonyms aboveboard, honest, straight

3 marked by, based on, or done by the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value <dishonest appraisals of art works that were part of an elaborate scheme to defraud insurance companies> — see fraudulent 1