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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to refute
to prove to be false
the latest information belies the old theory
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of belie
But its scenic vistas belie its severe demographic crisis, with farmers aging and a lack of major economic opportunities sending young people to the big cities like Tokyo.
—
Jeff Kingston, Time, 15 Feb. 2026
The latter belied Altuve’s efforts.
—Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 14 Feb. 2026
Friday’s performance belied that potential.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026
The jazz piano of Bill Evans was characterized by grace and poise, a lightness of touch yielding a plaintive depth of feeling, that belied a life beset with chaos and tragedy.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for belie
Jeff Kingston, Time, 15 Feb. 2026
The latter belied Altuve’s efforts.
—Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 14 Feb. 2026
Friday’s performance belied that potential.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026
The jazz piano of Bill Evans was characterized by grace and poise, a lightness of touch yielding a plaintive depth of feeling, that belied a life beset with chaos and tragedy.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for belie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belie
Verb
-
The case stems from allegations the rooftop solar company materially misrepresented certain terms of power purchase agreements or failed to make adequate disclosures that resulted in consumers being misled.—
Rob Nikolewski,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
-
The president has consistently misrepresented his tariffs, claiming despite evidence to the contrary that foreign governments would pay them and that the revenues would be sufficient to pay down the national debt and give taxpayers a dividend check.—
Josh Boak,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Reportedly, Jets owner Woody Johnson is forcing Glenn to call plays, but the organization has refuted those reports.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
23 Feb. 2026
-
But Judge Tharp refuted that claim, indulging in a few other jokes in his ruling.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The candidate diverted funds for personal use, including Las Vegas trips and legal defense against a stalking charge, channeling money through his mother and a friend to conceal the fraud.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
-
The overall profits conceal significant variation.—
Meg Wingerter,
Denver Post,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Thick plumes of black smoke obscured the sky over Puerto Vallarta.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
24 Feb. 2026
-
During his return trip, the subject tried to obscure the camera with foliage.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This beloved Italian restaurant is hiding in a Homewood neighborhood.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
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Abdul Hadi spent his days hiding in hovels in distant parts of Syria, turning his mind obsessively over the old days of revolution, over fleeting encounters and terrible choices.—
Anand Gopal,
New Yorker,
28 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Belie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belie. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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