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
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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
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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
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Try This Instead
Try This InsteadFor
Try This
an honest effort
honest work
an honest answer
honest communication
open communication
transparent communication
heartfelt communication
upfront communication
clear communication
Example Sentences
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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
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
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Or that America's founding principles are honorable and created a superpower that leads the world.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 July 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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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
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Most arbitrators are highly conscientious professionals who take their job very seriously.—
Jay Adkisson,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2025
Adjective
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The authentic arcade controls are durable and comfortable for intense sessions.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
26 June 2025
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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
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As such, trees grown from seed provide a reliable and affordable (free) option for backyard growers.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
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People will see you as reliable and realistic yet open to imaginative ideas.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
27 June 2025
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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