Definition of dishonestnext
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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 Some providers described assumptions that patients with substance use disorders were irresponsible, dishonest or less deserving of empathy than other patients. Karli Swenson, The Conversation, 11 June 2026 Trump has years of experience with this kind of dishonest narrative flexibility. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 11 June 2026 Twelve out of 13 isn’t bad, and to harp on what hadn’t worked during the Hurricanes’ relatively brief march to the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights would be disingenuous, dishonest and dumb. Sean Gentille, New York Times, 3 June 2026 The use of first-person pronouns is dishonest, but there’s a much deeper issue that goes beyond how a statement is phrased. Ted Chiang, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dishonest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dishonest
Adjective
  • This headline is so misleading.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2026
  • Pretending that’s not going to happen is misleading and wrong.
    Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • Representing Daniell, attorney Chris Timmons said the lawsuit centers on what his client alleges was a fraudulent transfer of the property's ownership.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 26 June 2026
  • Thomas and Ballard showed authorities fraudulent credentials to an unrelated sporting event, the affidavit said.
    Sofia Saric June 25, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Nadi Jabari, 46, was charged with false personation, unlawful use of a blue light and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.
    Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
  • Back when King was indicted in the summer of 2025, about 200 of them gathered in a Cleburne conference hall to make plans about how to support the sheriff, and decried the allegations against him as false attacks on King’s character.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Although Rodman’s research shows that generative AI can help diagnose rare diseases or make sense of unusual symptoms, a randomized trial that was published in NEJM AI just the week before found that intentionally erroneous output from an AI model can easily lead doctors astray.
    Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026
  • The good news is, though, that while an erroneous freeze can cause big trouble with your bills, it can usually be reversed.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Despite criticism over opaque and deceptive practices, prediction markets’ election favorites won most of the time, a Washington Post analysis found; more liquid in betting markets improves their accuracy, economists told CNN, but could carry negative social costs.
    Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 23 June 2026
  • This is the essence of GPS spoofing, in which an attacker floods a GPS receiver with deceptive signals.
    Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • The 2026 State of the Union speech stands in contrast, a speech by a mendacious demagogue who has degraded his listeners by debauching their instincts.
    Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Supporters of recent state AI regulations said the measures will address potential threats to public safety and personal privacy, and to counter any mendacious actions created by AI, while not hindering innovation.
    Hope Moses, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Warnock writes that his belief that the crooked places in America will be made straight keeps him motivated even on tough days at the Capitol.
    Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 15 June 2026
  • And ‘Meet the Press’ is crooked.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • This inquiry identified insufficient evidence to conclude that Garcia knowingly made an untruthful statement.
    Brian Maass, CBS News, 19 June 2026
  • Since 2019, state law has required law enforcement agencies that employ POST certificate holders to notify the board if a certificate holder knowingly made an untruthful statement during an internal affairs investigation, among other circumstances.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 8 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dishonest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dishonest. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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