1
as in truthful
being in the habit of telling the truth
at least the weatherman is honest and doesn't pretend to be able to predict the unpredictable
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in honorable
conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue
an area populated by honest and industrious farm folk
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in ethical
following the accepted rules of moral conduct
an honest customer who doesn't hesitate to tell the cashier she's given him too much change
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in genuine
free from any intent to deceive or impress others
the sort of person who helps others from an honest desire to do good
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in candid
free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions
appreciate your honest friends, who tell you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in conscientious
guided by or in accordance with one's sense of right and wrong
made an honest attempt to return the money she had found in the cafeteria
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in authentic
being exactly as appears or as claimed
a restaurant serving honest down-home Southern cooking
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
That also means being honest about what doesn’t earn its spot.
—
Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2026
The more honest take is that Juicero wasn’t doing anything wrong by the logic of its environment.
—Big Think, 1 May 2026
The Justice Department is expected to file new charges of sports bribery and honest services wire fraud against the former Miami Heat guard by mid-May, his attorney Jim Trusty told NBC News.
—Chloe Atkins, NBC news, 1 May 2026
This is about pleasure that’s honest and yours to indulge.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for honest
Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2026
The more honest take is that Juicero wasn’t doing anything wrong by the logic of its environment.
—Big Think, 1 May 2026
The Justice Department is expected to file new charges of sports bribery and honest services wire fraud against the former Miami Heat guard by mid-May, his attorney Jim Trusty told NBC News.
—Chloe Atkins, NBC news, 1 May 2026
This is about pleasure that’s honest and yours to indulge.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for honest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honest
Adjective
-
Our shows are uncomfortably authentic and truthful.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
7 May 2026
-
After all, among all the disciplines in the world, science is the one most devoted to creating our best approximation of truthful reality.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
Motherhood is a beautiful and honorable calling.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2026
-
Mfume has served Maryland for many years in a distinguished and honorable way.—
Bobby Zirkin,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Finally, there are ethical issues with profiting on things such as deaths, natural disasters and wars.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
-
The ethical wisdom of classical Greece is preserved for all time in these quotes, expressed in lines of elegant, metrical verse.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
But the slow realization that Snake Rob was a genuine threat who would ultimately run the game was especially satisfying and a reminder of how well The Traitors works as an all-star showcase and narrative machine, even in its fourth season.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
4 May 2026
-
On an island with no shortage of luxury hotels, this one sets itself apart with its easygoing approach and genuine Italian hospitality.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
In a candid conversation with Page Six, Thomas opened up about the long road to reshaping his professional identity after leaving the series.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
3 May 2026
-
Left Arrow Right Arrow Another candid confession from Jerry O’Connell backfired fast as critics seized on the actor’s remarks about his teenage daughters’ partying and vaping habits.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Dogs are allowed off-leash with conscientious owners.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Sam has encouraged the boy to be more conscientious with his studies and has been learning alongside him for years, picking up his schoolbooks and offering ideas on how to make the assignments more meaningful.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Pratt's supporters believe his approach will translate to votes because the message is authentic.—
Tom Wait,
CBS News,
2 May 2026
-
In fact, Americans of all backgrounds are seeking out new global flavors and authentic experiences, according to market research company Datassential.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
Name what works, define one agreement, and build from something that feels stable and reliable.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
5 May 2026
-
As markets continue to adjust, gold coins are expected to maintain their position as a reliable store of value.—
Ascend Agency,
New York Daily News,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Honest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honest. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
