Definition of untruthfulnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective untruthful differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of untruthful are deceitful, dishonest, and mendacious. While all these words mean "unworthy of trust or belief," untruthful stresses a discrepancy between what is said and fact or reality.

an untruthful account of their actions

When is deceitful a more appropriate choice than untruthful?

The words deceitful and untruthful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deceitful usually implies an intent to mislead and commonly suggests a false appearance or double-dealing.

the secret affairs of a deceitful spouse

When would dishonest be a good substitute for untruthful?

While the synonyms dishonest and untruthful are close in meaning, dishonest implies a willful perversion of truth in order to deceive, cheat, or defraud.

a swindle usually involves two dishonest people

When might mendacious be a better fit than untruthful?

While in some cases nearly identical to untruthful, mendacious may suggest bland or even harmlessly mischievous deceit and when used of people often suggests a habit of telling untruths.

mendacious tales of adventure

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 untruthful Federal authorities announced an investigation Friday of two immigration officers who appeared to have made untruthful statements under oath about a shooting in Minneapolis last month. Hannah Schoenbaum, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026 Trump, of course, was rude, untruthful, and excessively, if not quite so egregiously, long-winded in his first term, too. Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2026 King suggested the defense attorney was being untruthful. Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 13 Nov. 2025 Officers making contact with Hyatt noted an odor of intoxicants, staggering gait, confusion and illogical, untruthful responses to questions, according to the motion. Arkansas Online, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for untruthful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untruthful
Adjective
  • In addition, the trial judge gave the jury erroneous instructions, the appeals court ruled.
    David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • But such fine evidence of the erroneous human touch in the publishing process is, of course, cherished by collectors of this day.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Mountain views, fishing ponds, sauna The misleading name of the town aside, there’s nothing small about this property.
    Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 26 June 2026
  • The authors note apoB is particularly valuable for patients with high triglycerides, insulin resistance or lower LDL-C levels, where traditional cholesterol numbers can be misleading.
    Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • This commonly results from inaccurate color representation, poor fit or discrepancies between the physical item and its depiction on the website.
    Tal Lev-Ami, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • Choi said McGee would use terminology that could have swayed a jury and sometimes provided an inaccurate window for a time of death.
    Aki Nace, CBS News, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • For millions of individuals and businesses who rely on professional preparers, the answer portends a frightening prospect if the return preparer is dishonest.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Her attorneys contend the defendants used the litigation to portray her as dishonest, intimidate potential witnesses, fuel a public relations campaign against her and drive up the cost of her legal defense.
    Adam Reiss, NBC news, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Giveaway.
    AJC.com, AJC.com, 30 June 2026
  • At the same time, The New York Times reported that Google’s AI Overviews produced incorrect answers roughly one in 10 times.
    John Davie, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • The 2026 State of the Union speech stands in contrast, a speech by a mendacious demagogue who has degraded his listeners by debauching their instincts.
    Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Supporters of recent state AI regulations said the measures will address potential threats to public safety and personal privacy, and to counter any mendacious actions created by AI, while not hindering innovation.
    Hope Moses, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Something told me that there was something wrong.
    Max Saltman, CNN Money, 28 June 2026
  • The interest rate hypothesis points the wrong direction — the most rate-sensitive occupations, like construction, have the lowest AI exposure.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • The charge alleges a person knowingly defrauded another by using false or misleading information to obtain money, property, credit or a loan.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • Opponents of Amendment 5 have flatly called the advertisement misleading or false.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Untruthful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untruthful. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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