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 Rozier will be arraigned on Wednesday on additional charges filed last week, including sports bribery and honest services fraud. Anthony Chiang june 4, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026 The second was that, along with the platitudes about resilience, attendees were unusually honest about the Gulf’s predicament. Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 4 June 2026 That concern is real and deserves an honest answer. Dwight Earl Williams, Oc Register, 4 June 2026 So with something like Death of a Salesman, the whole thing is challenging, to be honest with you. Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for honest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honest
Adjective
  • Because there was a feeding frenzy, there were a lot of people that were not truthful.
    Steve Dollar, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
  • But Brooks clearly understands that such stereotyping is best countered with truthful, vulnerable performances, not some concept that fights the material.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Deputy Public Defender Carlos Bido said in court that Perry is retired and received an honorable discharge from the military.
    James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026
  • Congratulations to the honorable so-and-so.
    Rafael Perez, Daily News, 25 May 2026
Adjective
  • Some oppose hunting apex predators on ethical grounds, regardless of whether populations are considered healthy and sustainably managed.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
  • Both companies have long been esteemed for their practices in ethical aquaculture.
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • The plants and vines have grown, the tufu limestone has mellowed, the staff have bedded in, and the feel that this is a genuine Puglian village (even though it was built entirely from scratch) has been sealed.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • In this period before culture was so profoundly professionalized, populism and pluralism were genuine material questions of public participation, access, and power.
    Katy Siegel, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • The official spoke on condition of anonymity to offer more candid remarks.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 May 2026
  • At the station, the officers processing her were captured in a candid moment that Longoria says reveals what was really happening.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Cap Rocat also aims to preserve and strengthen the natural and social environment through a conscientious selection of suppliers engaged in sustainable fishing and organic and zero-kilometer products.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • This is considered a bit of an invasive plant, but conscientious gardeners can remove or till under unwanted seedlings.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • But the most authentic experiences happen in small clubs and at late-night radio shows where the music was first created.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • But like its predecessor, Yellowstone, the series also romanticizes the industry, pairing authentic ranching challenges with larger-than-life drama.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • Final word Ultra professional and utterly reliable, Chiva-Som deserves every accolade.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • The malware devotes considerable attention to CI/CD (continuous integration/continuous delivery) systems, which allow for faster and more reliable software releases by automating the building, testing, and deploying of code changes.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 1 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Honest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honest. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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