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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 The film is doing that in a very humane and honest way. Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025 But to be honest, one pump of either doesn’t cover my entire big face. Jessica Hartshorn, Flow Space, 10 Sep. 2025 But all friends need to be honest with each other, to tell each other home truths when it’s needed, to confront those awkward moments without fear of the reaction. Steve Sedgwick, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025 That's up to us to be honest about why that continues to happen and stop perpetuating that cycle of failure. Arkansas Online, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for honest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honest
Adjective
  • And given how complex truth and trust themselves are, building truthful AI systems is easier said than done.
    Lawrence Wintermeyer, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Like the source material from author Michelle Frances, Naomi Sheldon and Gabbie Asher’s TV adaptation is told from multiple points of view, leaving the audience and remaining characters to make their own choices about who’s truthful and who’s lying — and why.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Initially receiving a general discharge, Matlovich’s status was posthumously elevated to honorable.
    Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • That would be the honest, fair and honorable thing to do.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In early August, the Daily Caller reported more ethical concerns.
    Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The Boone and Crockett Club is a leading voice for ethical, legal, and restrained hunting in North America, and often recalls that managed, legal hunting is responsible for the return of depleted wildlife populations in America a century ago.
    Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Her practice stands out for its meticulous, trial-ready approach and genuine commitment to her clients.
    William Jones, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Leaders who demonstrate genuine care for their people during difficult transitions protect not only their organizational culture but also their long-term competitiveness.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Titled Forever Our Girlfriend, the celebration takes place at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles, where Akil will sit down for a candid conversation with Hollywood Confidential founder Steve Jones.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Below, Cosgrove gets candid about growing up in the industry, why getting cast in The Wrong Paris felt like a dream, her favorite scene in the rom-com, whether an iCarly movie is really happening and more.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Now, in the years since his brother's death, Melvin says he's become increasingly conscientious about his own health.
    Alex Ross, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Lawyers, over decades, tend to become more conscientious but less agreeable.
    Dave Winsborough, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Be reflective about your authentic style.
    Essence, Essence, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Believe in your authentic value, in your own development—don't let trends unsettle you.
    Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • And especially with the other unknowns in the starting rotation, a reliable King changes the dynamic of how the Padres can navigate a postseason series.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Backed by Uniper, ABB, OKG, and the Royal Institute of Technology, Blykalla is poised to deliver Europe’s first advanced SMR for reliable, sustainable energy in AI and clean industries.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Honest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honest. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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