dishonest

adjective

dis·​hon·​est (ˌ)dis-ˈä-nəst 

 also  (ˌ)diz-

1

obsolete : shameful, unchaste

2

: characterized by lack of truth, honesty, or trustworthiness : unfair, deceptive

dishonestly adverb

Synonyms

• misleading
• erroneous
• mendacious
• untruthful
• lying
• false

Choose the Right Synonym for dishonest

dishonest, deceitful, mendacious, untruthful mean unworthy of trust or belief.

dishonest implies a willful perversion of truth in order to deceive, cheat, or defraud.

a swindle usually involves two dishonest people

deceitful usually implies an intent to mislead and commonly suggests a false appearance or double-dealing.

the secret affairs of a deceitful spouse

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

untruthful stresses a discrepancy between what is said and fact or reality.

an untruthful account of their actions

Examples of dishonest in a Sentence

She gave dishonest answers to our questions.

I think he is being dishonest about how much he knows

Recent Examples on the Web

Industry groups insist that they are committed to weeding out dishonest companies that make false claims or sell dangerous products. —Suzy Khimm, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2025

No, it was done to protect dishonest businesses. —U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025

Such attempts are dangerous not only for being dishonest but also for missing aspects of customer quality, without which businesses risk falling into the low-price trap. —Mindaugas Čaplinskas, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025

The funeral home is under investigation for willful dishonest conduct, negligence and fraud, among other charges, according to state documents. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 21 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French deshoneste, from des- dis- + honeste honest

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dishonest

• honest
• monist

Kids Definition

dishonest

adjective

dis·​hon·​est (ˈ)dis-ˈän-əst 

: not honest or trustworthy : deceitful

dishonest people

dishonestly adverb