plural truths ˈtrüt͟hz How to pronounce truth (audio)
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

Example Sentences

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. See More
Recent Examples on the Web The memes always contain at least a grain of truth beneath the hilarity. William Camargo, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2023 In truth, though, the When Harry Met Sally references are a bit of a feint. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 May 2023 That dichotomy of experience encapsulates the relentless rigor of being a working writer while highlighting the terrible truth: that the very best and the very worst things can happen at the same time. Rachel Raczka, BostonGlobe.com, 11 May 2023 There is no universal truth about mental illness, but the closest might be this: Mental illness is persistent. Lauren Puckett-pope, ELLE, 10 May 2023 This book and its truths are in many ways a continuation of my own mental health journey. Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 8 May 2023 The Statesman was honored for bringing truth and accountability to the flawed law enforcement response at Robb Elementary on May 24, including through the publication of a hallway video from Robb Elementary School obtained by investigative reporter Tony Plohetski that showed the policing breakdown. Austin American-statesman, USA TODAY, 8 May 2023 Rather than celebrate the removal of Lemon and Carlson, audiences should be questioning what truths have some of the current on-air personalities had to sacrifice in order to stay employed. Nolan Higdon, Fortune, 4 May 2023 With a centralized source of truth, marketing organizations can stay nimble to take advantage of short windows of market opportunities. Gary Drenik, Forbes, 4 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'truth.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of truth was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near truth

Cite this Entry

“Truth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truth. Accessed 10 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

truth

noun
plural truths ˈtrüt͟hz How to pronounce truth (audio) ˈtrüths How to pronounce truth (audio)
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

Sojourner circa 1797–1883 American evangelist and reformer

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