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 Asked about those allegations, Grossi said his role is to provide technical expertise, not to weigh in on whether Iran was honest or dishonest. Joe Walsh, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026 With no frills, vintage vibes and good, honest food, Rutt’s is a classic. Usa Today Network, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026 It's been stressful to be honest. Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026 Most the episode’s focus is on how Amanda isn’t being honest about her life, but neither is Dorit. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for honest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honest
Adjective
  • As both an advanced acting student and my Teaching Assistant for our TAPA Intro to Acting course, Jillian demonstrates a mastery of craft paired with a natural intuition that makes her work truthful, specific, and deeply human.
    Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Our system of oversight depends on truthful testimony before Congress.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Third team Gonzaga senior Graham Ike, an honorable-mention pick two years ago, earned third-team honors this season.
    Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The result feels less trend-driven and more back-to-basics—in an honorable, sure-of-itself sort of way.
    Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Indeed, a further 18% said being a billionaire was perfectly ethical.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Overall, the property demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, ethical labor standards, and cultural preservation.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Still, the enthusiasm from the stage felt genuine, as did their love for Minneapolis.
    Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 23 Mar. 2026
  • That combination — genuine suffering refracted through dark humor, hardship worn lightly — is exactly what American audiences are finding so alluring in Korean stories right now.
    Dan Bilefsky, HollywoodReporter, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • After exiting social media in 2024, Barry Keoghan recently got candid about the toll online abuse has taken on his career.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Despite high-profile politicians including former President Joe Biden, a lifelong Catholic Democrat, being candid about their faith, Trone Garriott thinks part of the reason many Democrats have failed to engage certain religious groups is a discomfort in talking meaningfully about it.
    CBS News, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The retreat’s quiet atmosphere and conscientious design reflect their belief in the restorative powers of simplicity, reflection, and connection with nature.
    Kelsey Eisen, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Many comments on the video, however, asked to see specifics of where money has been invested, and where conscientious consumers could verify these claims.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • What began as a single restaurant has grown into a four-location staple known for its authentic Cuban cuisine.
    Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Merlin Entertainments and Mojang Studios announced the £50 million project on Friday, working with Minecraft creators to build an authentic experience for the global community of fans.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Puerto Rico is strategically located, and has the benefit of being US territory, whereas other key US bases in Latin America are situated in countries with less reliable governments, such as Cuba, said Will Freeman, fellow for Latin America studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Baby boomers, long the industry’s most reliable customers, are aging out of peak drinking years.
    Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Honest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honest. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.

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