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
In a world where images are so numerous and so difficult to understand, truth itself can be in danger, threatened by false interpretations and distorted, misleading half-truths.
—
Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
The intrigue in The Martians comes from its author’s patient demonstration of how half-truths and subjective observations can snowball into consensus.
—David Kamp, Air Mail, 23 Aug. 2025
As usual, the fake posts are often mixed with half-truths.
—John Brandon, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Well, not a lie, but a half-truth.
—Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2025
Advertisement Dunham, who wrote and directed the episode, also seeds their interactions with the distractions, evasions, and half-truths of two people with baggage who aren’t yet comfortable baring their whole souls.
—Judy Berman, Time, 10 July 2025
Gutter guard companies and salesmen may be spewing half-truths to you.
—Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025
Science and reason get stepped on by half-truths and conspiracy theories.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 11 June 2025
Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
The intrigue in The Martians comes from its author’s patient demonstration of how half-truths and subjective observations can snowball into consensus.
—David Kamp, Air Mail, 23 Aug. 2025
As usual, the fake posts are often mixed with half-truths.
—John Brandon, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Well, not a lie, but a half-truth.
—Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2025
Advertisement Dunham, who wrote and directed the episode, also seeds their interactions with the distractions, evasions, and half-truths of two people with baggage who aren’t yet comfortable baring their whole souls.
—Judy Berman, Time, 10 July 2025
Gutter guard companies and salesmen may be spewing half-truths to you.
—Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025
Science and reason get stepped on by half-truths and conspiracy theories.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 11 June 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for half-truth
Noun
-
Settle into lie-flat leather seating, savor gourmet meals prepared by a private chef, and enjoy a selection of fine wines and spirits.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Like many people, she was taken in by his lies.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Folklorist Thomas Keightley tells the tale of a kobold named Hödeken who was insulted by a kitchen boy who kept spraying water at him.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Oct. 2025
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And then at some point, the movie turns into a full-on tale of modern-age sorcery, shifting from its historical roots into an arthouse genre flick replete with fire and demons.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Oct. 2025
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.—
Jillian Frankel,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
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On expedition, the hunter who joined me on polar bear watch was relating a story from his grandfather who told him the telling sign of narwhal appearance.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Half-truth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/half-truth. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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