true 1 of 2

adjective

ˈtrü How to pronounce true (audio)
Definition of truenext
1
as in real
being exactly as appears or as claimed his claim that he's the heir to the throne of Greece can't be true

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Relevance

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2
as in correct
being in agreement with the truth or a fact or a standard if that is true, then we can't get in without a key

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3
as in actual
existing in fact and not merely as a possibility the true scope of this environmental problem is far greater than anyone imagined

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4
as in loyal
firm in one's allegiance to someone or something he will be true to his word

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5
as in accurate
following an original exactly it's not a true reproduction of the painting because the original is much larger

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6
as in genuine
free from any intent to deceive or impress others may our love for one another always be true

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7
as in historical
restricted to or based on fact that news story is completely true, for the station released a list of its sources to back it up

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8
as in reliable
worthy of one's trust a true friend when you need one

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9
as in typical
having or showing the qualities associated with the members of a particular group or kind paleontologists are still debating whether the fossil is that of a true dinosaur or a precursor

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10
as in honorable
conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue a person of great integrity, he was the truest person I've ever met

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true

2 of 2

adverb

as in even

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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 true
Adjective
That’s especially true of the highest-profile measure, Proposition 40 — the California billionaire tax. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 While there were plenty of hybrids available to meet that demand, the same was not true for EVs. — John Paul Helveston, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026
Adverb
This was the second unique compliment of the day, which rang true not only to Kim’s mythology of endless growth and expansion, but also to her whole family’s larger, cross-genre, and inter-disciplinary brand. — Vogue, 22 Apr. 2022 Even Klotz noted his predictions came true faster than anyone expected, let alone him. — Meghan M. Biro, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2021 See All Example Sentences for true
Recent Examples of Synonyms for true
  1. real
  2. correct
  3. actual
  4. loyal
  5. accurate
  6. genuine
  7. historical
  8. reliable
Adjective
  • While these tracks are endearing enough, Way Dynamic’s real magic sits at the juncture of folk and forlornness, when Young’s guitar is allowed to ramble and his regrets are sharp enough to bruise.
    — Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
  • These reactive oxygen species, or ROS, can do real damage to mitochondria, cells and organs.
    — Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of real
Adjective
  • All signs were pointing to a simple typographical error, where Nature had printed 1841 instead of the correct year of 1848.
    — Mike McRae October 15, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Ashby though, wearing the correct uniform, got Ohtani to strike out on three pitches, and Mookie Betts to ground out to shortstop to end the inning.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of correct
Adjective
  • Watching games with base runners, tough at-bats and actual strategy by managers is much more enjoyable than strikeouts and home runs with no one on base.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Desperate for actual contact with Holmes, Fielder has arranged to meet her briefly at the prison before Evans shows up.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of actual
Adjective
  • Members who believe their institution is genuinely looking out for them tend to stay loyal.
    — Anand Solanki, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The brand’s distinctive designs, which feature minimalistic, clean, architectural shapes, have had a loyal following.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of loyal
Adjective
  • State officials said the isolated instances of noncitizens voting, if accurate, are not evidence of widespread voter fraud.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
  • To make good decisions, consumers need to rely on accurate information, but much of the hype around peptides is misleading.
    — Amy Maxmen, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of accurate
Adjective
  • As such, the greatest obstacle to genuine transformation is getting stuck in the planning cycle.
    — Jeff DeGraff, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Notably, the new action comes about a month after UMG had sued DistroKid in September, claiming the company has helped empower bad actors to upload AI slop songs at mass scale, diluting the royalty pool for genuine artists.
    — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of genuine
Adjective
  • The row reached the competition jury’s press conference the day after the opening ceremony, where a reporter raised the question of historical fact and creative freedom.
    — Ophélie Surcouf, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Furthermore, the use of economic arguments to justify oppression has disturbing historical precedent.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of historical
Adjective
  • Recent strategy resets among global energy majors BP, Shell and ExxonMobil illustrate a greater focus on delivering reliable supply and ensuring that infrastructure can meet fast-growing power demand.
    — H.E. Dr Abdulla Saif Al Jarwan, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Their usefulness will depend on reliable navigation, robust fault responses and effective coordination between onboard systems.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of reliable

Phrases Containing true

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trudging
true
true believer
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Cite this Entry

“True.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/true. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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