Definition of honestnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective honest differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of honest are conscientious, honorable, just, scrupulous, and upright. While all these words mean "having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right," honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, or fairness.

known for being honest in business dealings

How do conscientious and scrupulous relate to one another, in the sense of honest?

Both conscientious and scrupulous imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience.

conscientious in the completion of her assignments
scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will

When would honorable be a good substitute for honest?

The meanings of honorable and honest largely overlap; however, honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty.

a difficult but honorable decision

Where would just be a reasonable alternative to honest?

While the synonyms just and honest are close in meaning, just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable.

workers given just compensation

When might upright be a better fit than honest?

The words upright and honest can be used in similar contexts, but upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles.

a stern and upright minister

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 honest As part of his management style, Dalio encourages employees to give honest feedback even to senior members of the firm. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026 Our state is full of good, honest, hard-working people who care deeply about their families and want to make their communities better. Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026 Renters deserve an honest conversation about its causes. Kenny Burgos, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 2026 Below, my honest Nuuly clothing subscription box review. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for honest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honest
Adjective
  • Under questioning Thursday by Summit County, Utah, prosecutor Bradley Bloodworth, Lauber confirmed she was granted immunity in exchange for her truthful testimony.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Submissions must be truthful, and CBS and PABJ reserve the right to verify information contained in each Submission.
    CBS News Philadelphia Staff, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Being conspicuous by his absence is not an honorable action, and will be remembered.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Kramer and Fauci—their honorable disagreements, their curiosity about each other’s worldview, their good-faith debate—were the real show, all along.
    Talya Zax, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But scientists, including Beckmann, argue that using casualties from the road can be a more ethical alternative to trapping wild animals or euthanizing them to sample tissues.
    Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Aurélien works with specialist ateliers across Italy and Europe combining ethical production practices with traditional savoir-faire.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The Europeans insist that a genuine popular movement against the regime arose in recent months but that it was shut down in an unprecedented wave of violence.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
  • In the short term, instability in the Gulf represents genuine economic pain for China rather than strategic opportunity.
    Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The confession occurred during a candid red carpet moment at the London premiere of his upcoming horror film The Bride!
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026
  • The six interviews that comprise this book are often candid, in the manner of some late-career reflections.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Virtually no risk-free approach Even a conscientious employer following the rule and regulatory and judicial interpretation of the rule may have its workplace seating policy second-guessed.
    Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
  • For 20-odd years, Adams has been one of Hollywood’s most reliably committed and conscientious performers.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • To fuel this innovation, Sovani relentlessly explores Tokyo’s diverse food landscape, seeking out the city's most authentic vegetarian gems.
    Nupur Singh, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Feb. 2026
  • One reason was the failure of the militants to build an authentic popular constituency.
    Jason Burke, Time, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The attack was likely meant to demonstrate how the group, a once reliable and powerful proxy of the Islamic Republic, still has the capability and the will to strike on behalf of Tehran.
    Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Again, the cast award is not a reliable best picture precursor.
    Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Honest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honest. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.

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