true

adjective

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\ ˈtrü

truer; truest

Definition of true

(Entry 1 of 4)

1a(1) : being in accordance with the actual state of affairs true description

(2) : conformable to an essential reality

(3) : fully realized or fulfilled dreams come true

b : ideal, essential

c : being that which is the case rather than what is manifest or assumed the true dimension of the problem

d : consistent true to character

2a : properly so called true love the true faith the true stomach of ruminant mammals

b(1) : possessing the basic characters of and belonging to the same natural group as a whale is a true but not a typical mammal

(2) : typical the true cats

3a : steadfast, loyal

b : honest, just

c archaic : truthful

4 : legitimate, rightful our true and lawful king

5a : that is fitted or formed or that functions accurately

b : conformable to a standard or pattern : accurate

6 : determined with reference to the earth's axis rather than the magnetic poles true north

7 : logically necessary

8 : narrow, strict in the truest sense

9 : corrected for error

true

adverb

Definition of true (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : in accordance with fact or reality

2a : without deviation the bullet flew straight and true

b : without variation from type breed true

true

noun

Definition of true (Entry 3 of 4)

1 : truth, reality —usually used with the

2 : the quality or state of being accurate (as in alignment or adjustment) —used in the phrases in true and out of true

true

verb

trued; trueing also truing

Definition of true (Entry 4 of 4)

transitive verb

: to make level, square, balanced, or concentric : bring or restore to a desired mechanical accuracy or form true up a board true up an engine cylinder

Other Words from true Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about true

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Examples of true in a Sentence

Adjective Indicate whether each of the following statements is true or false. If their predictions are true, we'll be in for a long winter. Is it true that you were planning to go without me? Jobs are scarce, and that is especially true for managers. The true cost proved to be much higher than they said it would be. His true character was revealed. the true meaning of the term Adverb The bullet traveled straight and true.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective In a final experiment, the team asked whether the reverse is also true. — Simon Makin, Scientific American, "“Event” Cells in the Brain Help Organize Memory into Meaningful Segments," 13 Apr. 2020 If that were true, then that dust would be iron particles and thus would stick to a magnet. — Car and Driver, "Explained: Car and Driver Will Now Take Your Questions," 10 Apr. 2020 The rumors are true: A new episode of Tiger King is coming to Netflix. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, "A New Episode of Tiger King Is Coming to Netflix April 12," 10 Apr. 2020 The opposite is true in China, where remedies known as traditional Chinese medicine, or commonly, TCM, are being heavily promoted by the state. — The Economist, "Fighting it the Chinese way China backs unproven treatments for covid-19," 8 Apr. 2020 This is a true story about the power of Melody Maddox, the first female Sheriff of DeKalb County, and a general narrative about women who lead. — Maria Balais, ajc, "How a powerful image can have a big impact," 7 Apr. 2020 That means people might be paying more attention to whether a tweet is popular or exciting than whether its message is true. — Jon-patrick Allem, The Conversation, "Social media fuels wave of coronavirus misinformation as users focus on popularity, not accuracy," 6 Apr. 2020 With Anthony’s painting career on the brink of stalling, a chance encounter with a Cabrini Green old-timer (Colman Domingo) exposes Anthony to the tragically horrific nature of the true story behind Candyman. — Clark Collis, EW.com, "Candyman reboot delayed until September due to coronavirus," 3 Apr. 2020 So the Storytellers Project has put together a playlist of true, personal stories shared by your neighbors from across the country. — Michelle Rogers, azcentral, "Uplifting Stories: A playlist of stories from Storytellers Project, Week 1," 2 Apr. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb But this song’s agenda rings true now more than ever: Check in on your loved ones. — Dallas News, "Art and the City: Dallas musicians face the coronavirus situation by asking, ‘Are we OK?’," 9 Apr. 2020 The Patriots have earned that distrust, but this time their alibi rings true more than the allegation. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, "When it comes to videotaping of Bengals, Patriots deserve the benefit of the doubt," 10 Dec. 2019 This has been obviously a dream come true many times over. — Clarence E. Hill Jr., star-telegram, "The best sports dynamic duo ever? Try Brady and Belichick," 2 Feb. 2018 This has been obviously a dream come true many times over. — Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY, "Tom Brady 'earned right' to retire when he wants, says Patriots president," 31 Jan. 2018 This has been obviously a dream come true many times over. — Clarence E. Hill Jr., star-telegram, "The best sports dynamic duo ever? Try Brady and Belichick," 2 Feb. 2018 This has been obviously a dream come true many times over. — Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY, "Tom Brady 'earned right' to retire when he wants, says Patriots president," 31 Jan. 2018 This has been obviously a dream come true many times over. — Clarence E. Hill Jr., star-telegram, "The best sports dynamic duo ever? Try Brady and Belichick," 2 Feb. 2018 This has been obviously a dream come true many times over. — Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY, "Tom Brady 'earned right' to retire when he wants, says Patriots president," 31 Jan. 2018 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Because now more than ever is the time to relax, have fun, and change up your tried and trues. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "Your Beauty Summer Hit List Is Here," 12 June 2017 Alas, Crosby’s rock ‘n’ roll dream-come-true was soon marred by drug addiction, which in turn led to him contracting AIDS. — George Varga, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Robbin Crosby of San Diego-bred band Ratt died 15 years ago at 42," 7 June 2017 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb That’s true more broadly, as well, in part because of how the issue has been litigated. — Alia Wong, The Atlantic, "The Thorny Relationship Between Asians and Affirmative Action," 3 Aug. 2017 True the Vote itself has struggled to keep up momentum from the Obama era. — Mark Berman And David Weigel, chicagotribune.com, "Trump's voter fraud panel gets pushback after asking states for election data," 30 June 2017 True the Vote itself has struggled to keep up momentum from the Obama era. — Mark Berman, Washington Post, "Trump’s voting commission asked states to hand over election data. Some are pushing back.," 30 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'true.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.