honestly

adverb

hon·​est·​ly ˈä-nəst-lē 

1

: in an honest manner: such as

a

: without cheating

counted the ballots honestly

b

: really, genuinely

was honestly scared

c

: without frills

food honestly prepared

2

: to be honest : to tell the truth

honestly, I don't know

Synonyms of honestly

• frankly
• actually
• really
• indeed

Examples of honestly in a Sentence

Officials counted the votes honestly.

The bank has always dealt honestly with me.

I can honestly say that I have never seen that man before today.

He spoke honestly about the mistakes he had made.

She honestly believes that she has been mistreated.

Recent Examples on the Web

But the Scrub Daddy earns its cult following honestly. —Jamie Thilman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026

But men can start by looking honestly at the habits stress may be driving. —Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026

Many references will answer honestly if asked point-blank rather than left to volunteer information. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026

And honestly, that never gets old. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for honestly

• dishonestly

Kids Definition

honestly

adverb

hon·​est·​ly ˈän-əst-lē 

1

: in an honest manner: as

a

: without cheating

counted the votes honestly

b

: actually, genuinely

was honestly scared

2

: to be honest : to tell the truth

honestly, I don't understand it