as in lie
a statement that is only partly true and that is intended to deceive people
I'm tired of all these half-truths—I want to know the real story.
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Recent Examples of half-truth
This is a dangerous half-truth.
—
Randy Niemeyer, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
Don’t settle for half-truths; seek meaningful joy.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026
Some information is useful, some is harmful and some are half-truths that can cost you real money.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026
People who rely on half-truths often underestimate how visible their behavior becomes.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
In this environment, influencers and politically motivated accounts now function as de facto broadcasters, often spreading half-truths, distortions or outright falsehoods with little accountability.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
Over the next 90 years, tourism in Natchez blossomed around half-truths and omissions.
—Joe Sills, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Social media spread half-truths faster than public-health leaders could correct them.
—Robert Pearl, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
Seasoned watchers of Potomac will know this to be a half-truth.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 8 Dec. 2025
Randy Niemeyer, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
Don’t settle for half-truths; seek meaningful joy.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026
Some information is useful, some is harmful and some are half-truths that can cost you real money.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026
People who rely on half-truths often underestimate how visible their behavior becomes.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
In this environment, influencers and politically motivated accounts now function as de facto broadcasters, often spreading half-truths, distortions or outright falsehoods with little accountability.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
Over the next 90 years, tourism in Natchez blossomed around half-truths and omissions.
—Joe Sills, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Social media spread half-truths faster than public-health leaders could correct them.
—Robert Pearl, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
Seasoned watchers of Potomac will know this to be a half-truth.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 8 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for half-truth
Noun
-
In an interview with The Times, Sid confessed that the whole thing was a lie concocted by a publicist in the 1940s.—
Anabel Sosa,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2026
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And from that data, the airliner learned that 97 percent of fliers said the lie-flat bed was their reason for flying in Delta One.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
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His plays — rife with exploration of deep humanity and emotion — provide not just a framework for hanging many different worlds upon his words, but also the kind of complex characters and twisted tales that actors and filmmakers crave, whether tragedy, romance or comedy.—
Katie Walsh,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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The affable comedian and improv star is known for a self-deprecating brand of humor that leans into storytelling, audience interaction and behind-the-scenes tales from the long-running hit show.—
Travis Pinson,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Joyann Jeffrey,
PEOPLE,
11 Apr. 2026
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Her supporters, including Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, a family friend, decried her alleged detainment, and her story sparked outcry and protests.—
Victor Jacobo,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Half-truth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/half-truth. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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