truth

noun

ˈtrüth 

plural truths ˈtrüt͟hz  ˈtrüths 

1

a(1)

: the body of real things, events, and facts : actuality

(2)

: the state of being the case : fact

(3)

often capitalized : a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality

b

: a judgment, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true

truths of thermodynamics

c

: the body of true statements and propositions

2

a

: the property (as of a statement) of being in accord with fact or reality

b

chiefly British : true sense 2

c

: fidelity to an original or to a standard

3

a

: sincerity in action, character, and utterance

b

archaic : fidelity, constancy

4

capitalized Christian Science : god

Phrases

in truth

: in accordance with fact : actually

Synonyms

• facticity
• factuality
• sooth
• trueness
• verity

Examples of truth in a Sentence

At some point you have to face the simple truth that we failed.

Their explanation was simpler but came closer to the truth.

The article explains the truth about global warming.

A reporter soon discovered the truth.

Do you swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth?

Her story contains a grain of truth but also lots of exaggeration.

Recent Examples on the Web

The simple truth is that quality parental outcomes can’t be legislated, nor can they be forced. —John Tamny, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

In truth, Ellie’s argument before the council isn’t all that persuasive. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025

There is also truth behind Blues coach Jim Montgomery’s series of verbal daggers after Game 4. —Murat Ates, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025

In truth, Elisabeth grew up with a ne’er-do-well father who saw himself as an adventurer more than a paternal figure. —Elizabeth Djinis, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English trewthe, from Old English trēowth fidelity; akin to Old English trēowe faithful — more at true entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Phrases Containing truth

• bend the truth
• half-truth
• home truth
• moment of truth
• nothing could be farther from the truth
• nothing could be further from the truth
• stretch the truth
• the gospel truth
• the naked truth
• the truth
• the truth of the matter
• the whole truth
• to tell the truth
• to tell (you) the truth
• truth be told
• truth be told/known
• truth serum
• truth set
• truth table
• truth-value

Rhymes for truth

• luth
• muth
• sleuth
• sooth
• tooth
• youth
• bluetooth
• forsooth
• sawtooth
• tolbooth
• uncouth
• untruth

Kids Definition

truth

noun

ˈtrüth 

plural truths ˈtrüt͟hz  ˈtrüths 

1

: the quality or state of being true

2

: a true or accepted statement

3

: the body of real events or facts

4

: agreement with fact or reality

Biographical Definition

Truth

biographical name

ˈtrüth 

Sojourner circa 1797–1883 American evangelist and reformer