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
Sifting fact from fiction has been nearly impossible on both sides of the border because of the sheer volume of falsehoods, half-truths, memes, misleading video footage and speeches manipulated by artificial intelligence.
—
Anupreeta Das, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Our feeds are flooded with faux news and half-truths, designed to prop up confirmation biases and advance political agendas.
—Slaine, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
That’s when the parade of half-truths goes marching by.
—John Nogowski, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2025
That’s because, despite the fact that Trump’s claims about immigrants are mostly half-truths or blatant lies, a sizable portion of Americans have come to believe them.
—Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2025
And the public is left drowning in a sea of hot takes and half-truths, trying to make sense of what—if anything—actually matters.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
True to the postmodern nature of DEI, the efforts to save it are a cacophony of half-truths, distortions, and downright lies.
—Ian Kingsbury, National Review, 22 Mar. 2025
Yet critics of American agriculture are spreading half-truths and outright lies.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
The issue is racially-charged and complex, and its discussion is often fueled by half-truths and myths spread online.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
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.
Anupreeta Das, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Our feeds are flooded with faux news and half-truths, designed to prop up confirmation biases and advance political agendas.
—Slaine, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
That’s when the parade of half-truths goes marching by.
—John Nogowski, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2025
That’s because, despite the fact that Trump’s claims about immigrants are mostly half-truths or blatant lies, a sizable portion of Americans have come to believe them.
—Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2025
And the public is left drowning in a sea of hot takes and half-truths, trying to make sense of what—if anything—actually matters.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
True to the postmodern nature of DEI, the efforts to save it are a cacophony of half-truths, distortions, and downright lies.
—Ian Kingsbury, National Review, 22 Mar. 2025
Yet critics of American agriculture are spreading half-truths and outright lies.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
The issue is racially-charged and complex, and its discussion is often fueled by half-truths and myths spread online.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Half-truth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half-truth. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share