1
as in misrepresenting
to give a misleading impression of
his bright smile belied his actual mood, which was really one of great sadness
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in refuting
to prove to be false
the latest information belies the old theory
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in obscuring
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 belying
Saura had a large sense of the humor, which struck those who got to know him, belying the sternness of his public visage with his playful banter and frequent chuckle.
—
John Hopewell, Variety, 6 Mar. 2026
The show’s postcard-ready shots of the northern countryside, with its verdant hills and winding roads, are another incongruity, belying the challenges of survival there for those on the fringes.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2026
Inside, its luxurious custom leather seats and carbon fiber trim transform the Shelby into a quality cabin belying its F-150 roots.
—Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
On an unremarkable clay tennis court in the Spanish city of Alicante, watched on by only a handful of spectators, two teenagers swipe the ball to one another with surprising vigor, belying their scrawny, adolescent frames.
—George Ramsay, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2025
Henry communicates the weight of Ray’s past with a flicker in his gaze and a shadow that falls over his face, belying the easy confidence established by the character’s introduction.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2025
Adem Zorgane has long been a statistical anomaly in Belgian football, his incredible passing numbers belying his position at the heart of a distinctly mid-table side.
—Thom Harris, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
John Hopewell, Variety, 6 Mar. 2026
The show’s postcard-ready shots of the northern countryside, with its verdant hills and winding roads, are another incongruity, belying the challenges of survival there for those on the fringes.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2026
Inside, its luxurious custom leather seats and carbon fiber trim transform the Shelby into a quality cabin belying its F-150 roots.
—Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
On an unremarkable clay tennis court in the Spanish city of Alicante, watched on by only a handful of spectators, two teenagers swipe the ball to one another with surprising vigor, belying their scrawny, adolescent frames.
—George Ramsay, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2025
Henry communicates the weight of Ray’s past with a flicker in his gaze and a shadow that falls over his face, belying the easy confidence established by the character’s introduction.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2025
Adem Zorgane has long been a statistical anomaly in Belgian football, his incredible passing numbers belying his position at the heart of a distinctly mid-table side.
—Thom Harris, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belying
Verb
-
For example, Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act prohibits unfair or deceptive trade practices, including failing to honor refund promises or misrepresenting return procedures.—
Christopher Elliott,
Mercury News,
8 May 2026
-
The trial marks the second phase of New Mexico’s lawsuit after a jury in March found Meta violated the state’s consumer protection law by misrepresenting the safety of Facebook and Instagram for young users and ordered the company to pay $375 million in damages.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
That’s not refuting the secrecy.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Amidst the other claims, this one has hit hard at Beast Industries, and the company got quite personal in refuting it.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Ror all its strengths, Muskism’s account of the rise and influence of its protagonist is one squarely focused on ideology, obscuring the broader political and economic forces working behind the scenes.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Records provided to The Star about the Alpha Tau Omega case were heavily redacted, obscuring the specific allegations against fraternity members.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Her caretaker had allegedly been concealing and profiting from her death.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
9 May 2026
-
Things began heating up in 2024, when Mamba Negra opened as a rooftop bar concealing a lab where guests move through an eight-part cocktail tasting that's made with 100 percent Colombian ingredients.—
Allie Lazar,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Garcia Torres’ appellate attorney who secured the ruling overturning the conviction also did not respond to messages seeking comment.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Election law experts contend that the scenario of Republicans successfully overturning election results is unlikely, with legal remedies available to prevent stalling and ensure certification of results by January 3 when the new Congress convenes.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Talley was found hiding under a porch and arrested for the second time that day.—
Michael Tobin,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
-
One of the United States’ largest fisheries is hiding in plain sight.—
Matthew Robertson,
The Conversation,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Heather Long, a chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union who made her name covering the pandemic recession, believes the sentiment data speaks to something real.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
10 May 2026
-
There’s a reason fans are already covering his statue outside Truist Park — frozen forever in his signature stance, left arm resting on the dugout rail, left leg bent in that familiar crouch — with flowers, handwritten notes and heartfelt tributes.—
Jesús Cano,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
Gerodemos and the other individual are also accused of disguising payments related to gambling as legitimate business expenses.—
Sara Tenenbaum,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Nathaniel Jaymoni Urbeaz, 22, of Dedham, Massachusetts was charged with conspiracy, disguising to obstruct justice, disorderly conduct and interfering with a police officer.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Belying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belying. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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