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

Which is to say that when done honestly, the reader creates alongside the writer, and ChatGPT-3 can’t ever really read, not really. —Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026

And honestly looks amazing, and having the best time doing it. —Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026

Over time, these systems may become a standard part of how goods move safely and honestly across the global economy. —Matthew Kayser, Idaho Statesman, 20 Jan. 2026

The federal government has responsibility to make sure funds are used honestly. —Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 18 Jan. 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