1
2
3
as in false
marked by, based on, or done by the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value dishonest appraisals of art works that were part of an elaborate scheme to defraud insurance companies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective dishonest differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dishonest are deceitful, mendacious, and untruthful. While all these words mean "unworthy of trust or belief," dishonest implies a willful perversion of truth in order to deceive, cheat, or defraud.

a swindle usually involves two dishonest people

When is deceitful a more appropriate choice than dishonest?

While the synonyms deceitful and dishonest are close in meaning, deceitful usually implies an intent to mislead and commonly suggests a false appearance or double-dealing.

the secret affairs of a deceitful spouse

When might mendacious be a better fit than dishonest?

The words mendacious and dishonest are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When could untruthful be used to replace dishonest?

The words untruthful and dishonest can be used in similar contexts, but untruthful stresses a discrepancy between what is said and fact or reality.

an untruthful account of their actions

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 dishonest Blanketing our communities with descriptions that focus solely on crime is dishonest and hinders our efforts to achieve peace, especially those of us who have survived the unthinkable loss of a loved one to murder. Clementina Chery, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2025 Bonhoeffer’s understanding of conscience inspires heroic action: People really can do the most dangerous and noble things — a good reminder in our low, dishonest times. David Decosse, Mercury News, 11 Apr. 2025 Here are some of the most affordable autos A Chinese brain chip company could soon surpass Elon Musk's Neuralink The 10 most dishonest states in America — according to Las Vegas defense lawyers Costco's Kirkland brand became a massive financial success. William Gavin, Quartz, 31 Mar. 2025 Attempting to separate Robinson’s baseball career from racial animus and conflict feels intellectually dishonest. Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dishonest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dishonest
Adjective
  • In 2024, Nicolás Maduro won his reelection in a race contested as fraudulent by the opposition.
    Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 19 May 2025
  • Real examples: Six people were charged with attempting to steal $80 million through fraudulent checks tied to COVID-19 relief funds.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • Now their weird discomfort with disease—and their outré views on cancer in particular—is being refracted through a sea of false, indecent speculations.
    Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 19 May 2025
  • Big banks are not allowed to cheat their customers with false advertising and misleading promises.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Those have included other deportations to third countries and the erroneous deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an El Salvadoran who had lived in Maryland for roughly 14 years working and raising a family.
    Julie Carr Smyth, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025
  • Those have included other deportations to third countries and the erroneous deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran who had lived as a legal U.S. resident in Maryland for 14 years while working and raising a family.
    Julie Carr Smyth, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • During the defense’s cross-examination of Kid Cudi, lawyers representing Combs portrayed Ventura as deceptive of both men.
    Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • California’s attorney general, Rob Bonta, filed a suit against ExxonMobil last year that, in part, accuses the oil giant of deceptive claims regarding chemical recycling, which the company disputes.
    Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Impulsive, egocentric, and mendacious, Trump has, in the same span, set fire to the integrity of his office.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Her unsettling command of the character — who was equal parts sweet, vulnerable, mendacious, and menacing — was one of the highlights of the series.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Among them is Tonic, which stars Blair (Sin City: A Dame to Kill For) as Sebastian Poe, a struggling jazz pianist who is given 24 hours to kill a dangerous drug dealer (Westwick) by a crooked cop (Jaso Coviello), and spirals into a moral and emotional tailspin.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 May 2025
  • Cigarette smoke, dames to kill for, crooked cops — latex super suit?
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • During the trial, prosecutors showed videos of the multiple interviews Troconis had with law enforcement and accused her of being untruthful about Farber Dulos’ disappearance.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025
  • President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement on June 1 was terribly misguided, and his justification for doing so was misleading and untruthful.
    Robert N. Stavins, Foreign Affairs, 5 June 2017
Adjective
  • Gates has three ecosystems on her quarter-acre: a sunny front yard, a shady back plot and a small wetland garden on one side.
    USA Today, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • With its rolling hills, shady live oaks, and thriving equestrian scene, Ocala already has bucolic appeal.
    Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 14 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dishonest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dishonest. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dishonest

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!