1
a
: good and truthful : not lying, stealing, or cheating
They are honest people.
He says that it's impossible to find an honest politician.
These criminals pose a danger to honest citizens.
b
: showing or suggesting a good and truthful character
He has an honest face.
2
: not hiding the truth about someone or something : not meant to deceive someone
Just give me an honest answer.
an honest reply
If you want my honest opinion, you should get a job.
To be perfectly/quite honest, I don't want to go.
You shouldn't be afraid of a little honest criticism. [=criticism that is based on facts]
I'd be less than honest [=I would be lying] if I told you there won't be problems.
He gave us a painfully/brutally/refreshingly honest account of his childhood.
I don't think these people are being honest with me. [=I don't think they're telling me the truth]
3
a
: not deserving blame : not done with the intent of hurting or harming anyone
It was an honest error/mistake.
b
: done using your own work or effort
He still goes to the office every morning and puts in an honest day's work.
: not gotten by cheating, lying, etc.
He's just trying to earn an honest living. [=he is trying to earn a good amount of money for his hard work]
These people work hard, and they deserve an honest wage. [=an amount of money that is fair for the work that is done]
4
: plain and good : not fancy
The restaurant prides itself on serving simple, honest food.
informal
—used to stress that a statement is true
I didn't do it—honest I didn't!
She is not my friend, honest.
—sometimes used in the phrases honest to God or honest to goodnessHonest to God, I wasn't there that night.
He told you that? Honest to goodness? [=really?; honestly?]
Cite this Entry
“Honest.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/honest. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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