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
My main concern is always keeping things honest and realistic.
—
Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
With a standout central protagonist and an urgent quest that is every parent’s nightmare, the film plays like a thriller but manages to deliver honest and piercing emotions at almost every sequence along the way.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 6 Feb. 2026
Even so, that kind of direct, honest and unfiltered feedback is crucial for a company like Gabb, Morency Kun said.
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
No response feels honest, feels enough.
—Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for honest
Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
With a standout central protagonist and an urgent quest that is every parent’s nightmare, the film plays like a thriller but manages to deliver honest and piercing emotions at almost every sequence along the way.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 6 Feb. 2026
Even so, that kind of direct, honest and unfiltered feedback is crucial for a company like Gabb, Morency Kun said.
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
No response feels honest, feels enough.
—Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for honest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honest
Adjective
-
One confidant reportedly told a source that Bass was not truthful in her public statements about her lack of involvement and warned her that modifying the report could harm her politically.—
Barnini Chakraborty,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Not being truthful about his condition cost Haman his life, Alai claimed.—
Logan Smith,
CBS News,
2 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Though the art that first spoke to me was honest and honorable depictions of Black life, I have since been inspired, gutted and changed by artists from all walks of life.—
Anya Sesay,
jsonline.com,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Democratic Congressman Mike Thompson called LaMalfa an honorable public servant and recounted the two working together to deliver help for wildfire victims.—
Steve Large,
CBS News,
25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Karp’s defense of Epstein raises ethical and professional questions.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The party is attempting to establish itself as the responsible anchor of a fragile coalition — a role that demands ethical clarity, internal coherence, and strategic restraint.—
Sam Mkokeli,
semafor.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The files have created some genuine issues for news organizations, whose ranks are filled with individuals with whom Epstein hoped to forge personal connections.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Both players had fists full of each other’s shirts, but the referee pointed to the spot and deemed Akpoguma not to have made a genuine attempt for the ball.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The fifth commissioner, John Herbst, the only one who voted not to hire Williams nearly a year ago, has been candid with her.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
-
In a candid conversation with actress Jameela Jamil, Lewinsky opened up about trauma, public shaming and surviving one of the most infamous scandals in modern American history.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Those places were unregulated, untaxed and, typically, not particularly conscientious about checking ID.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Many states are new enacting or widening already broad religious and conscientious exemptions.—
Richard Hughes IV,
STAT,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Is there an authentic rationale and reason and a connection with your meaningful, authentic connection with your brand, your audience, and that celebrity?—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Austrian Airlines brings the charm of the Alpine countryside to its Business Class, which features lie-flat beds and an onboard chef to put the finishing touches on your authentic menu.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Only 22 sites would have reliable climate conditions by mid-century, the study found.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Built for extreme cold Corvus One for Cold Chain uses industrial-grade barcode scanners with precise control over focus and exposure, enabling reliable label capture even when barcodes are frosted, damaged, or low contrast.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Honest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honest. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
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