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an honest effort
a genuine effort
a sincere effort
an authentic effort
an earnest effort
a heartfelt effort
honest work
earnest work
genuine work
an honest answer
a truthful answer
a genuine answer
an accurate answer
a frank answer
honest communication
open communication
transparent communication
heartfelt communication
upfront communication
clear communication

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 Patriotism should inspire honest reckoning, not denial. Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025 School curricula must be honest, inclusive and unafraid of difficult truths. Linda Ambrus Broenniman, Baltimore Sun, 3 July 2025 My advice is to conduct an honest assessment of your team's capabilities relative to migration requirements. Aj Bubb, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 What is your secret to remaining an innovator in your field? To be honest, I get inspired. Nigel Smith, People.com, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for honest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honest
Adjective
  • And those statements must be truthful, based on substantiated evidence and an accurate interpretation of that evidence.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2025
  • In the investigation, the BPD’s Bureau of Professional Standards found Champagnie had violated six department rules, including one that requires officers to be truthful in their reports, Cloud wrote in his motion earlier this month.
    Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Different views on the topic Some readers challenge the emphasis on political decorum, arguing that respect must be earned through honorable conduct rather than election victories.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
  • Or that America's founding principles are honorable and created a superpower that leads the world.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Invest in educator training that moves beyond basic tool familiarity to pedagogical integration and ethical considerations.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Such governance will likely include public data trusts, ethical review boards, and inclusive policy-making processes—all of which emphasize collective rather than individualistic solutions.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • What matters is whether genuine compatibility exists beneath the obsession.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 5 July 2025
  • Despite the lighthearted framing of the post, many comments conveyed genuine sadness or guilt—often about animals taken on without fully understanding the commitment involved.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Lovato, whose Disney Channel stardom catapulted her to fame at a young age, has been candid about her struggles with mental health, substance abuse, and disordered eating.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 26 June 2025
  • The candid reflections of their upbringings, their unique cultural backgrounds and the overarching complexity of living authentically are all equally important pieces of a fabric that is slowly being sewn into a quilt.
    Morgan Lieberman, NPR, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • As any stunt coordinator or conscientious director will tell you, the trick is to make the stunt look dangerous but not be dangerous.
    Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 14 June 2025
  • Most arbitrators are highly conscientious professionals who take their job very seriously.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • The authentic arcade controls are durable and comfortable for intense sessions.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 26 June 2025
  • The journeys, known as Original Voyages, have numerous and varied shore excursions allowing travelers a chance to explore authentic Norway at a relaxed pace, with flexible itineraries and approachable pricing.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • As such, trees grown from seed provide a reliable and affordable (free) option for backyard growers.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
  • People will see you as reliable and realistic yet open to imaginative ideas.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Honest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honest. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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