as in frankly
to tell the truth
honestly, I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 honestly
During interviews, communicate the company culture and expectations honestly.
—
Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Quite honestly, at that time, in soccer, and certainly in this league, there really weren’t general managers.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
So people must answer honestly…but that may be difficult if their memory is impaired.
—Brittany Risher, SELF, 11 Apr. 2025
Javadi here faints upon seeing her first patient, which is a real rough start to her first day in her emergency-medicine rotation, but not one person refers to her as Doogie Howser, which honestly seems like a huge win.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for honestly
Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Quite honestly, at that time, in soccer, and certainly in this league, there really weren’t general managers.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
So people must answer honestly…but that may be difficult if their memory is impaired.
—Brittany Risher, SELF, 11 Apr. 2025
Javadi here faints upon seeing her first patient, which is a real rough start to her first day in her emergency-medicine rotation, but not one person refers to her as Doogie Howser, which honestly seems like a huge win.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for honestly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honestly
Adverb
-
And frankly, the technological ability to do this will likely outpace the adjustments humans will have to make, like legal frameworks, trust and adoption, security and regulatory compliance.—
Marc Schröder,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
-
The videos circulating on social media made for a terrifying show of force and, frankly, good TV.—
Antón Barba-Kay,
The Atlantic,
26 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Kylie Jenner was there, too, and was actually filmed practicing the dance beforehand.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
3 May 2025
-
The gold sky is actually leaves of gold integrated into the hand-painting work.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
3 May 2025
Adverb
-
Capponi also encourages celebrity entrepreneurs to really nail down understanding their supply chain.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Does the College of Cardinals really come together to choose a new pope via…a conclave?—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
22 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
The inefficient conversion method provides further evidence that this was indeed a theft rather than a legitimate holder diversifying their portfolio.—
Boaz Sobrado,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
-
If all four do indeed start, that still gives Florida only four starters among the 68 Power 4 schools.—
Manny Navarro,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Honestly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honestly. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share