truthful

adjective

truth·​ful ˈtrüth-fəl How to pronounce truthful (audio)
: telling or disposed to tell the truth
a truthful witness
truthfully adverb
truthfulness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The people that go through life just enjoying life, enjoying people that are truthful, that are loyal, that are honest. Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025 When someone confides in her, the speaker feels magically compelled to be truthful. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025 Sullivan involved an Alabama police commissioner who sued the New York Times over a truthful publication describing segregationist violence against civil rights protesters. Time, 29 Sep. 2025 Brands need to be truthful and working toward creating measurable action. Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for truthful

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1567, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of truthful was circa 1567

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Cite this Entry

“Truthful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truthful. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

truthful

adjective
truth·​ful ˈtrüth-fəl How to pronounce truthful (audio)
: telling or being in the habit of telling the truth
truthfully adverb
truthfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on truthful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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