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 That ratio of self-detected versus externally notified compromise is the most honest grade on whether your security program is a real intelligence function or an alert pile nobody reads. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 The caller wanted to thank me for raising an honest son. Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026 Keep it steady, and let small, honest wins add up. Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 12 June 2026 The Gone Girl actress has often been honest about her dating life. Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for honest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honest
Adjective
  • The Catholic Church has long been outspoken against war.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 9 June 2026
  • Brittany Elkin, a Gaston County native and parent to two GCS students, has become an outspoken advocate for more school funding in recent months.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Granger's intentions are honorable, and O'Donnell sparks his performance with life, making his tragic end that much more gutting.
    Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • Doudna, who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020 with Emmanuelle Charpentier for this pioneering work, has been a prominent voice not only for its vast potential but also for its responsible and ethical use.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 11 June 2026
  • Some workplace experts argue that with more businesses adopting AI tools, soft skills such as empathy, critical thinking and ethical decision-making are worth cultivating to help employees become indispensable.
    Cathy Bussewitz, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), critics question whether Washington’s diplomatic efforts to end decades of conflict in the mineral-rich east are driven by genuine security concerns.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
  • Pink is no comedian and many of the show’s bits fell flat, but the star’s fandom seemed genuine and her vocal prowess the envy of many a Tony nominee.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Instead of hitting back or offering defensive replies, Hunter Biden has responded with candid admissions of his past drug use and calls for unity.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 6 June 2026
  • Having open, candid discussions is a key element in becoming closer.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 6 June 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
  • Jim would be noticed for his authentic performance, and his career as a character actor was launched.
    Carl Kurlander, Deadline, 13 June 2026
  • Made with a simple combination of authentic Greek ingredients including Greek vodka, extra virgin olive oil, and a custom Afrala sea salt solution, the cocktail highlights quality and authenticity.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Still, in our age of political cynicism, sports and literature may be the last two places in our culture in which the American myths feel truthful.
    Sam Evan Sussman, Vogue, 10 June 2026
  • Sam always found this really interesting line of being very truthful of what is going on behind closed doors in a generation, but then also pushing the boundaries on how people are used to perceiving or digesting certain topics.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 10 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Honest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honest. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

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