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as in false
marked by, based on, or done by the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value dishonest appraisals of art works that were part of an elaborate scheme to defraud insurance companies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective dishonest differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dishonest are deceitful, mendacious, and untruthful. While all these words mean "unworthy of trust or belief," dishonest implies a willful perversion of truth in order to deceive, cheat, or defraud.

a swindle usually involves two dishonest people

When is deceitful a more appropriate choice than dishonest?

While the synonyms deceitful and dishonest are close in meaning, deceitful usually implies an intent to mislead and commonly suggests a false appearance or double-dealing.

the secret affairs of a deceitful spouse

When might mendacious be a better fit than dishonest?

The words mendacious and dishonest are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mendacious may suggest bland or even harmlessly mischievous deceit and when used of people often suggests a habit of telling untruths.

mendacious tales of adventure

When could untruthful be used to replace dishonest?

The words untruthful and dishonest can be used in similar contexts, but untruthful stresses a discrepancy between what is said and fact or reality.

an untruthful account of their actions

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of dishonest Here are some of the most affordable autos A Chinese brain chip company could soon surpass Elon Musk's Neuralink The 10 most dishonest states in America — according to Las Vegas defense lawyers Costco's Kirkland brand became a massive financial success. William Gavin, Quartz, 31 Mar. 2025 Attempting to separate Robinson’s baseball career from racial animus and conflict feels intellectually dishonest. Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Mar. 2025 Greta’s stealth revolution may look natural, but the change is weak and dishonest. Armond White, National Review, 5 Mar. 2025 Higher-ups and colleagues see through the charade as dishonest. Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dishonest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dishonest
Adjective
  • The Act provides market players and investors additional mechanisms and avenues to seek redress and curb fraudulent digital asset activities.
    Abubakar Nur Khalil, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • The artificial intelligence PayPal uses to flag potentially fraudulent purchases can’t read your mind — at least, not yet.
    Christopher Elliott, King Features Syndicate, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Uncanny valley is a term for a reason: The brain can only take so much false information that’s appears to be real.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • Comments Steve Burns understands first-hand the detrimental impact online rumors and false narratives can have on public figures.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Smartmatic was frequently mentioned when Trump’s lawyers Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell appeared as guests on Fox News and Fox Business Network programs in late 2020 and spread Trump’s erroneous charges that voting machines were rigged to throw the election to Joe Biden.
    Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Hampered by this erroneous guidance, health authorities and the American public began to believe that women were physically incapable of producing enough breastmilk.
    Made by History, Time, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In the 1970s, information about the Tuskegee study – a deceptive and unethical 40-year study of untreated syphilis in Black men – came to light.
    Christine Coughlin, The Conversation, 9 May 2025
  • Anyone wanting to fight such usage would have to rely on deceptive practice laws, trademark and copyright protection, and state-specific laws protecting a person's name, image, and likeness.
    Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Impulsive, egocentric, and mendacious, Trump has, in the same span, set fire to the integrity of his office.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Her unsettling command of the character — who was equal parts sweet, vulnerable, mendacious, and menacing — was one of the highlights of the series.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • In the new season’s third episode, Charlie helps Beatrix solve the murder of her husband Jeffrey (Richard Kind) by crooked FBI agent Danny (John Mulaney), and in return, Beatrix agrees to call off the hit.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2025
  • But that jubilation quickly turns into a night of violence when Coop is beaten within an inch of his life by two guys hired by a crooked art gallery owner who put overly aggressive moves on his partner in crime Elena (Aimee Carrero).
    Rosemary Rossi, Variety, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • During the trial, prosecutors showed videos of the multiple interviews Troconis had with law enforcement and accused her of being untruthful about Farber Dulos’ disappearance.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025
  • President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement on June 1 was terribly misguided, and his justification for doing so was misleading and untruthful.
    Robert N. Stavins, Foreign Affairs, 5 June 2017
Adjective
  • Good for a cool, shady location, the blooms are pale blue with purple shading nodding bells, 2.5 to 3 inches in diameter, and grows up to 15 feet tall.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
  • Imagine committing elaborate crimes to garner viral influencer attention or making connections with shady associates via the dark web.
    Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dishonest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dishonest. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

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