1
as in delusion
a false idea or belief
the possibility of a perpetual motion machine is one falsehood that has been disproved by modern physics
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lie
a statement known by its maker to be untrue and made in order to deceive
several falsehoods in the witness's testimony that may be grounds for perjury
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in deception
the quality or state of being false
scientists eventually demonstrated the falsehood of the claim that prehistoric fish did not evolve lungs and legs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in deceit
the tendency to tell lies
a cynic who believes that politics are a veritable fount of falsehood
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 falsehood
Unlike in Ukraine, his initial goal would not be to subjugate the country but simply to expose Europe’s weakness and the falsehood of NATO’s commitment to collective security.
—
Dmytro Kuleba, Foreign Affairs, 30 May 2025
When DeSantis’s campaign collapsed, Musk went all-in for Donald Trump, appearing with him at rallies and promoting his falsehoods and conspiracy theories to anyone who would listen.
—S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025
The growth in measles cases over the past few months comes as Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues to deliver an inconsistent message about measles as well as pushing falsehoods about the measles vaccine and its makeup.
—Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
The narrative echoes similar falsehoods that circulated during the 2020 George Floyd protests and the 2024 pro-Palestinian student protests on university campuses.
—Carmen Sesin, NBC news, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for falsehood
Dmytro Kuleba, Foreign Affairs, 30 May 2025
When DeSantis’s campaign collapsed, Musk went all-in for Donald Trump, appearing with him at rallies and promoting his falsehoods and conspiracy theories to anyone who would listen.
—S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025
The growth in measles cases over the past few months comes as Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues to deliver an inconsistent message about measles as well as pushing falsehoods about the measles vaccine and its makeup.
—Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
The narrative echoes similar falsehoods that circulated during the 2020 George Floyd protests and the 2024 pro-Palestinian student protests on university campuses.
—Carmen Sesin, NBC news, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for falsehood
Recent Examples of Synonyms for falsehood
Noun
-
The series focuses on the dynamics of one Danish family and the stripping away of their—and our—delusions about climate change, status, exile, and separation.—
Air Mail,
Air Mail,
21 June 2025
-
Researchers noted the positive effects of ecstatic epilepsy and synthesized fifty-three theoretical models of delusion.—
Rafil Kroll-Zaidi,
Harpers Magazine,
21 June 2025
Noun
-
Of course, as with everything involved in this sextortion scam, that’s a lie.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
-
Newsom is seeking $787 million — the same amount that Fox News paid to settle a defamation suit with Dominion Voting Systems, a company that claimed the network repeatedly aired false allegations about its voting machines to boost Trump’s lies that the 2020 election was rigged.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
This deception couldn’t come at a worse time for America’s debt.—
Thomas Kahn,
Chicago Tribune,
8 July 2025
-
Unlike earlier studies that uncovered evasion or deception, this research exposed a more alarming phenomenon: models calculating that unethical behavior was a justifiable strategy for survival.—
Hamilton Mann,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
Noun
-
When confronted, deceit turns their romantic evening into a darkly comedic nightmare.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
25 June 2025
-
The nation has now paid a steep price for its deceit and deception.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
18 June 2025
Noun
-
Learn the secrets behind wands, wishing trees and other plant folklore and myths.—
Jeanette Marantos,
Los Angeles Times,
28 June 2025
-
Ursula Lindsey The Moroccan writer’s works are a bracing corrective to the myth of his city as a glamorous, bohemian playground.—
Sophia Rosenfeld,
The New York Review of Books,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
Both Van Poppel and Taylor, who injured his shoulder in a bar fight in 1993 and never reached the major leagues, are cautionary tales on the dangers of taking a high school pitcher in the first round.—
Melissa Lockard,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
-
Sula by Toni Morrison Toni Morrison’s suite of stunning historical novels includes Beloved, A Mercy, and this 1973 tale of a friendship between Sula Peace and Nel Wright.—
Mia Barzilay Freund,
Vogue,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
Unforced error after unforced error plagued the team.—
Emma Moon,
Charlotte Observer,
13 July 2025
-
This copy may not be in its final form, may be updated and may contain minor transcription errors.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
This story will be updated after the men's event concludes.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
The Enquirer,
5 July 2025
-
For beautiful views of the Tennessee River and Wilson Dam, head to this greenspace with a scenic 1.3-mile trail along the waterfront with interpretive displays sharing stories about Florence’s history.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Falsehood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/falsehood. Accessed 17 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share