half-truths

noun

plural of half-truth
as in lies
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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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 half-truths Yorkshiremen have no truck with half-truths or avoidance of big issues. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026 These accusations are utter nonsense, concocted from distortions, half-truths and lies. — Kathleen Parker, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026 Years of deception, half-truths, and emotional compromises finally surface, forcing Rasheda, Geneva, Naomi, Tiffany, and Bridgette to confront not just the men in their lives, but one another. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026 Her backstory is littered with half-truths and deceptions, including a lie that her mentally disabled younger sister was murdered after being kidnapped. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026 The Soviet Union embraced Lenin’s concept of agitation—the use of emotional slogans and half-truths to influence the masses. — Marc Fisher, New Yorker, 30 July 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for half-truths
  1. lies
  2. tales
  3. stories
  4. distortions
  5. exaggerations
Noun
  • The voters repudiated the president in every way, growing tired of his lies, corrupt administration, unqualified Cabinet members, tariffs, needless wars, ongoing inflation, and undignified and boorish behavior.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
  • But brands regularly build multimillion-dollar projects on the backs of the lies people tell about themselves.
    — Sam Peskin, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of lies
Noun
  • Amused, the actor offered a gentle lesson in mixing the perfect vodka and orange juice—just one of countless tales this legendary hotel has collected over nearly a century.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • As always, a conversation with Moby is a fascinating journey, from lessons on fame to tales of hanging with David Bowie and Lou Reed.
    — Steve Baltin, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of tales
Noun
  • The histories, stories and insights into personalities will be lost forever.
    — Gary Barron, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
  • When researchers tell stories about people who are victims of crimes—ranging from having an iPad stolen to being raped—such victims are seen as virtuous, more moral and more trustworthy than comparable people who have not been victimized.
    — Paul Bloom, New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of stories
Noun
  • Scan enhancement tools address distortions, shadows, and contrast, while cropping and splitting help clean up page layouts.
    — StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Sometimes, generalized anxiety is rooted in cognitive distortions, or inaccurate beliefs or fears about the world.
    — Allie Volpe, Vox, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of distortions
Noun
  • To justify a top-down overhaul, some have levied sweeping attacks, rhetoric and clear exaggerations against the traditional system.
    — Eric Wargotz, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The students maintain that the conversations consisted largely of deliberately provocative jokes, internet memes and political exaggerations that were never intended as genuine threats.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of exaggerations

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half-truth
half-truths
halfway
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Cite this Entry

“Half-truths.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/half-truths. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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