Synonyms of belie

belie

verb

bi-ˈlī 

1

as in to misrepresent

to give a misleading impression of

his bright smile belied his actual mood, which was really one of great sadness

Synonyms & Similar Words

• misrepresent
• conceal
• obscure
• hide
• contradict
• distort
• mask
• mislead
• deceive
• disguise
• falsify
• pretend
• feign
• camouflage
• cloak
• counterfeit
• misreport
• dissemble
• color
• garble
• misrender
• twist

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• represent
• betray
• reveal
• demonstrate
• disclose
• discover
• exhibit
• expose
• evince
• bare
• parade
• flaunt
• show off

2

as in to refute

to prove to be false

the latest information belies the old theory

Synonyms & Similar Words

• refute
• disprove
• overturn
• discredit
• rebut
• falsify
• challenge
• confound
• confute
• discuss
• debunk
• disconfirm
• question
• doubt
• shoot down
• give the lie to
• overthrow
• contest
• debate
• talk over
• query
• mistrust
• moot
• hash (over)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• prove
• establish
• confirm
• show
• verify
• validate
• support
• record
• witness
• document
• substantiate
• identify
• evince
• demonstrate
• illustrate
• evidence
• corroborate
• certify
• manifest
• back (up)
• display
• attest
• buttress
• adduce
• authenticate

3

as in to conceal

to keep secret or shut off from view

the security council issued false assurances that belied the true gravity of the situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• conceal
• obscure
• hide
• cover
• suppress
• disguise
• overshadow
• mask
• veil
• cloak
• enshroud
• paper over
• curtain
• blot out
• bury
• occult
• blanket
• shroud
• screen
• block
• camouflage
• obstruct
• smother
• cover (up)
• occlude
• becloud
• darken
• gild
• whitewash
• gloss (over)
• shade
• varnish
• overcast
• eclipse
• cloud
• bedim
• befog

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reveal
• show
• disclose
• expose
• display
• uncover
• divulge
• bare
• unveil
• present
• unmask
• clarify
• bring out
• illuminate
• proclaim
• uncloak
• advertise
• publish
• spread
• publicize
• get out
• broadcast
• air

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of belie

The 187-horsepower engine is perfectly adequate for ordinary driving, but the XRT’s tougher appearance belies a lack of cojones. — Josh Max, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Fired at the highest temperatures of any ceramic, its thin, delicate build also belies its versatility and durability. — Angela Tafoya, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026

And Reid, the fourth-winningest coach in NFL history, was burning to get after it to a degree that belies his understated public persona. — Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026

Dawn ends the resurrection spell in response, belying her own statement. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!