falsehood

noun

false·​hood ˈfȯls-ˌhu̇d 

1

: an untrue statement : lie

spreading falsehoods about his opponent

2

: absence of truth or accuracy

The falsehood of this narrative made it no less effective.

—Peniel E. Joseph

3

: the practice of lying : mendacity

… Thomas Jefferson … accused the press of engaging in "falsehood and defamation" while covering his administration.

—Albert R. Hunt

Synonyms of falsehood

• delusion
• myth
• error
• illusion

Examples of falsehood in a Sentence

the line between truth and falsehood

the possibility of a perpetual motion machine is one falsehood that has been disproved by modern physics

Recent Examples on the Web

But Morganroth’s previous stops in at least four states and numerous publications were also marked by falsehoods and fabrications about her background, The Denver Post found. —Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026

In 2023, shortly before his firing, Altman argued that allowing for some falsehoods can, whatever the risks, confer advantages. —Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026

Here are some key moments and falsehoods from her year-plus in the nation’s top law enforcement spot. —Politifact, Dallas Morning News, 2 Apr. 2026

Goldman cast doubt on the Justice Department’s claim that the falsehood made it into the government’s legal defense of ICE due to human error. —Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for falsehood

• adulthood
• babyhood
• brotherhood
• cottonwood
• fatherhood
• firewood
• fuelwood
• hardihood
• ironwood
• leatherwood
• likelihood
• livelihood

Kids Definition

falsehood

noun

false·​hood ˈfȯls-ˌhu̇d 

1

: an untrue statement : lie

2

: the habit of lying