truthful

adjective

truth·​ful ˈtrüth-fəl 

: telling or disposed to tell the truth

a truthful witness

truthfully

ˈtrüth-fə-lē 

adverb

truthfulness noun

Synonyms of truthful

• honest
• outspoken

Examples of truthful in a Sentence

We were not entirely truthful with her about where we went last night.

I like keeping the house clean but, to be truthful, I hate vacuuming.

Recent Examples on the Web

At a time when social media and 24-hour news cycles distort our understanding of war and conflict, and when AI is flooding the internet with fake images and stories, there is a desperate need for truthful accounts. — Nick Holdstock, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026

The report asserts flatly that Zucker wasn’t truthful and danced around the same accusation regarding Ballmer. — John Hollinger, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

In reality, customers want to see images of food that are truthful to what they will be served. — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

The letter raises questions about how truthful Kennedy was in testimony before Congress. — Ali Swenson, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1567, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for truthful

• youthful
• untruthful

Kids Definition

truthful

adjective

truth·​ful ˈtrüth-fəl 

: telling or being in the habit of telling the truth

truthfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

truthfulness noun