falsehood

noun

false·​hood ˈfȯls-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce falsehood (audio)
1
: an untrue statement : lie
2
: absence of truth or accuracy
3
: the practice of lying : mendacity

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 In several of his personal attacks on Harris, including the reference to drinking, Trump appeared to be referencing falsehoods or unsubstantiated claims spreading online in far-right circles. Jill Colvin, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2024 After Mass Dismissals in Anchorage, Alaska Officials Step in to Help Prosecute Crimes Beyond the courts, elections administrators and experts point to the broader risks of introducing misconceptions or falsehoods in the court of public opinion. Phoebe Petrovic, ProPublica, 16 Oct. 2024 There might be falsehoods or misleading characterizations included in those articles. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 Officials say these falsehoods have real-world consequences, including preventing victims from evacuating or seeking help, distracting from recovery efforts and making the job of aid workers harder. Laura Doan, CBS News, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for falsehood 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'falsehood.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of falsehood was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near falsehood

Cite this Entry

“Falsehood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/falsehood. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

falsehood

noun
false·​hood ˈfȯls-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce falsehood (audio)
1
: an untrue statement : lie
2
: the habit of lying

More from Merriam-Webster on falsehood

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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