Synonyms of untruthful

untruthful

adjective

ˌən-ˈtrüth-fəl 

1

as in erroneous

not being in agreement with what is true

an unintentionally untruthful statement that the candidate later corrected

Synonyms & Similar Words

• erroneous
• inaccurate
• incorrect
• wrong
• false
• untrue
• misleading
• inexact
• distorted
• invalid
• unsound
• deceptive
• off base
• off
• fraudulent
• specious
• counterfactual
• deceitful
• fictitious
• mendacious
• dishonest
• illusory
• delusive
• fallacious
• spurious
• lying
• delusory
• unproven
• invented
• awry
• unconfirmed
• amiss
• fabricated
• untested
• askew
• made-up
• trumped-up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• true
• accurate
• factual
• correct
• valid
• proper
• right
• precise
• exact
• sound
• demonstrated
• confirmed
• veracious
• errorless
• perfect
• established
• tested
• proven
• impeccable
• flawless
• faultless
• letter-perfect

2

as in misleading

telling or containing lies

the political action committee was slammed for spreading untruthful smears about the candidate and his wife

Synonyms & Similar Words

• misleading
• dishonest
• erroneous
• mendacious
• false
• lying
• untrue
• fallacious
• hypocritical
• insincere
• hypocrite
• perjurious
• two-faced
• double-dealing
• mealymouthed
• smooth-tongued

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• truthful
• honest
• true
• open
• candid
• straightforward
• sincere
• moral
• earnest
• veracious
• conscientious
• reliable
• scrupulous
• principled
• trustworthy
• plainspoken
• dependable
• honorable
• ethical
• virtuous
• straight
• righteous
• respectable
• decent
• trusty
• upright
• just
• trustable
• right-minded
• upstanding

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective untruthful differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of untruthful are deceitful, dishonest, and mendacious. While all these words mean "unworthy of trust or belief," untruthful stresses a discrepancy between what is said and fact or reality.

an untruthful account of their actions

When is deceitful a more appropriate choice than untruthful?

The words deceitful and untruthful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deceitful usually implies an intent to mislead and commonly suggests a false appearance or double-dealing.

the secret affairs of a deceitful spouse

When would dishonest be a good substitute for untruthful?

While the synonyms dishonest and untruthful are close in meaning, dishonest implies a willful perversion of truth in order to deceive, cheat, or defraud.

a swindle usually involves two dishonest people

When might mendacious be a better fit than untruthful?

While in some cases nearly identical to untruthful, 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of untruthful

On Wednesday, the defense attacked Marquez’s credibility, questioning his motives for cooperating with the FBI and grilling him over episodes in his background that might paint him as untruthful. —Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2024

However, Miranda, Assad, and Arroyo routinely failed in their obligations to cooperate with the investigation by delaying responses, refusing to provide certain information or documents, and providing inconsistent or untruthful responses. —Chris Deubert, Forbes, 19 Nov. 2024

Phelan, largely brushing off Covey's attacks as politically motivated and untruthful, has stuck to his reputation of having represented the district through several election cycles, running unopposed over the past several, and his work to advance border security legislation and funding last year. —Hogan Gore, Austin American-Statesman, 20 May 2024

Our choice is the person who says the most outrageous, offensive and untruthful things, or the person who is subjected to those insults and lies. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2024