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
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2
as in honorable
conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue
an area populated by honest and industrious farm folk
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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
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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
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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
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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
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7
as in authentic
being exactly as appears or as claimed
a restaurant serving honest down-home Southern cooking
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of honest
Let’s be honest here, and no disrespect to venerable family board games, but Monopoly is kind of boring.
—
Jeff Spry, Space.com, 8 May 2026
In her experience, creating space for different expressions of emotion allows for a more honest and supportive environment.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 8 May 2026
What this deep dive into our collective consciousness taught me is that search is an incredibly honest, non-judgmental environment.
—Literary Hub, 8 May 2026
If shipping out Gordon remains a non-starter, then the Nuggets must get honest about Jokic.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for honest
Jeff Spry, Space.com, 8 May 2026
In her experience, creating space for different expressions of emotion allows for a more honest and supportive environment.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 8 May 2026
What this deep dive into our collective consciousness taught me is that search is an incredibly honest, non-judgmental environment.
—Literary Hub, 8 May 2026
If shipping out Gordon remains a non-starter, then the Nuggets must get honest about Jokic.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for honest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honest
Adjective
-
Issues in Justice While minimizing harm and being truthful certainly relate to one’s sense of being treated fairly by media makers, justice also comprises a communicator’s support for diversity and equity for human groups.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
7 May 2026
-
Our shows are uncomfortably authentic and truthful.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Taylor Heinicke signed off on his NFL career Thursday evening, taking to social media to announce his retirement after an honorable seven-season career with five teams.—
Armando Salguero OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
-
The vast majority are honorable and conform their actions to the rules.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
The biggest challenge will be to rebuild the office by recruiting the highest quality staff and attorneys, and establishing an ethical culture of serving the needs of the state rather than an ideological agenda.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2026
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That’s why Cavadini and others are looking forward to the imminent release of Pope Leo XIV’s first major encyclical, expected to address the growing ethical and moral challenges of artificial intelligence.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
With a population of only about 5,000 people − both working class and millionaires alike − the eagles are a frequent local topic, both because of the international attention but also because so many locals are genuine fans.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
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Locals, even some hardened to the realities of big-time sports, bought into Kiffin’s genuine affection for the people and the place.—
Chris Smith,
Vanity Fair,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
The conversations are thoughtful and candid, offering valuable insights into resilience, leadership and growth.—
Jenny B. Fine,
Footwear News,
8 May 2026
-
The actress, 43, got candid about the eight other actresses who were originally asked to play her role of Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada.—
Raven Brunner,
PEOPLE,
5 May 2026
Adjective
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So naturally, the thought of turning Hypergnosis into an ethical company doesn’t compute, even to a seemingly conscientious person like Harper, who likens Anushka’s vision to buying a jet and asking where the brakes are.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
10 May 2026
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While acknowledging that antisemites may have good characteristics—a loving husband, a generous and conscientious citizen—Sartre claimed that their hatred ultimately defines them.—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
In person, Magyar gives every indication of being magnanimous and down-to-earth, smiling easily, thanking everyone profusely, and treating his son with what looks like authentic affection, even when the cameras aren’t rolling.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
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But more than anything, Bolles is authentic in a world that is disconnected by social media and polarized by politics.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
9 May 2026
Adjective
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Even recognizing one or two reliable triggers—like tight clothing, prolonged sitting or hot weather—can help guide meaningful adjustments.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
11 May 2026
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The dogs provide rangers with a reliable way to etch trails, haul supplies and even assist park scientists with snow-dependent research.—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Honest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honest. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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