falsehood

noun

false·​hood ˈfȯls-ˌhu̇d 

1

: an untrue statement : lie

2

: absence of truth or accuracy

3

: the practice of lying : mendacity

Synonyms

• 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

One of the company's meteorologists, Jonathan Belles, debunked some of the most common falsehoods surrounding severe storms, recommending tips on how to best prepare for them. —Katie Wiseman, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

The fact that the development and rollout follow Trump's falsehoods about widespread noncitizen voting makes election experts wary of how this new tool will work. —Miles Parks, NPR, 28 June 2025

Here's How Palantir responded with a lengthy blog post that said the Times story included numerous falsehoods and misleading statements. —Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 17 June 2025

In addition to spreading falsehoods and increasing vitriol, hateful campaigning is one of the reasons people check out of politics altogether, a problem that weakens our political system. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2025

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