half-truth

noun

ˈhaf-ˌtrüth 

ˈhäf-

1

: a statement that is only partially true

2

: a statement that mingles truth and falsehood with deliberate intent to deceive

Examples of half-truth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Her backstory is littered with half-truths and deceptions, including a lie that her mentally disabled younger sister was murdered after being kidnapped. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026

When Juliette gets an audience with the Algorithm, the Mayor tells the voice some half-truths about why someone needs to go to Silo 17 immediately. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026

The Soviet Union embraced Lenin’s concept of agitation—the use of emotional slogans and half-truths to influence the masses. — Marc Fisher, New Yorker, 30 July 2026

This statement, which is repeated like a mantra in countless spaces, is only a half-truth. — Vicente Pava, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for half-truth

• bluetooth
• forsooth
• sawtooth
• tolbooth
• uncouth
• untruth
• vermouth
• luth
• muth
• sleuth
• tooth
• youth

Kids Definition

half-truth

noun

-ˌtrüth

: a statement that is only partly true

especially : one that deliberately mixes truth and falsehood