honestly

adverb

ˈä-nəst-lē How to pronounce honestly (audio)
Definition of honestlynext
as in frankly
to tell the truth honestly, I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of honestly The trio ransacks the house — and, honestly, appears to be having the time of their life — as the video goes on. — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026 This will only lead to unproductive conflict − and, honestly, that's what a lot of narcissists want anyway. — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 Parks honestly thinks the Crusaders have the chops to win back-to-back state titles. — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 Other commenters requested a coffee table book of Larsson's makeup, which is honestly a genius idea. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for honestly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honestly
  1. frankly
  2. actually
  3. really
  4. indeed
Adverb
  • Bugs Bunny being in the real world is frankly not as baffling as Michael Jordan’s detour into minor-league baseball.
    — James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • My job is to give people joy and entertain them and take them away from, frankly, at the moment, some of the misery of life, where they can get lost in the live gig for two hours.
    — Katie Bain, Billboard, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of frankly
Adverb
  • Arresting for sure, but c’mon how many people were actually going to pay that much for a hair-dryer?
    — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
  • So to be a part of that in any way is exciting, but to have the honor of actually playing her husband in something?
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of actually
Adverb
  • There’s no point building a humanoid robot that’s really good at a specific task and not very good at generalising.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The joy Lisa has with her RHUGT cast compared with the dread her RHOSLC cast seems to bring her really bums me out — especially because of how much of this trip is championing the sisterhood of Housewives.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of really
Adverb
  • This shows that the new round of AI model competition has indeed reached the pricing level.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • If the Chiefs indeed keep a sixth cornerback, Kristian Fulton, Melvin Smith, Kevin Knowles, Kader Kohou and Kair Elam are the candidates in that order.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of indeed

Browse Nearby Words

honest brokers
honestly
honesty
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Cite this Entry

“Honestly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honestly. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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