falsehood

noun

false·​hood ˈfȯls-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce falsehood (audio)
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

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
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.
Some contained falsehoods and disinformation. David Smiley, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025 In an interview before the meeting, Franco said the Department of Children and Families's letter contained multiple falsehoods and that nothing is stopping it from giving the funds to another agency. Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 6 Nov. 2025 Now, with Harris’ child assault causing death and human trafficking case headed to trial, his defense attorney has taken aim at Doe’s credibility, calling her a serial liar who admitted telling numerous falsehoods to police along the way. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2025 Trump focused that falsehood on voters in California. Chris Brennan, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for falsehood

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Falsehood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/falsehood. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.

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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