half-truth

noun

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
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.
The intrigue in The Martians comes from its author’s patient demonstration of how half-truths and subjective observations can snowball into consensus. David Kamp, Air Mail, 23 Aug. 2025 As usual, the fake posts are often mixed with half-truths. John Brandon, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025 Well, not a lie, but a half-truth. Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2025 Advertisement Dunham, who wrote and directed the episode, also seeds their interactions with the distractions, evasions, and half-truths of two people with baggage who aren’t yet comfortable baring their whole souls. Judy Berman, Time, 10 July 2025 Gutter guard companies and salesmen may be spewing half-truths to you. Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025 Science and reason get stepped on by half-truths and conspiracy theories. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 11 June 2025 Tribune reporter Ronald Yates then revealed in 1976 that two witnesses were forced to tell half-truths and withhold vital information during Toguri’s trial. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of half-truth was in 1628

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Cite this Entry

“Half-truth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half-truth. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

half-truth

noun
-ˌtrüth
: a statement that is only partly true
especially : one that deliberately mixes truth and falsehood

More from Merriam-Webster on half-truth

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