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
The truth slips out eventually, and honestly?
—
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Tonight was nothing till really late, honestly.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 15 May 2026
That’s honestly so long to be sticking with a TV show.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 15 May 2026
Now, honestly speaking, this won't be everyone’s cup of tea.
—New Atlas, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for honestly
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Tonight was nothing till really late, honestly.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 15 May 2026
That’s honestly so long to be sticking with a TV show.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 15 May 2026
Now, honestly speaking, this won't be everyone’s cup of tea.
—New Atlas, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for honestly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honestly
Adverb
-
The fact that Vodolazkin has enjoyed such success in the international market is frankly an indictment of all of us more than anything else.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
-
Watching driver onboards is frankly terrifying, given the speed differentials.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
18 May 2026
Adverb
-
There were obscure picks, in his frank estimation, that were actually brilliant heists, and college stars whose selections were actually costly blunders.—
Dan Greene,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
Indiana walks away with a huge win, and the WNBA walks away with another glaring lesson in who actually drives the bus.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
Adverb
-
Both Mbappe and Alcaraz went with a sultry vibe for their cover portraits, but what really got the internet aflutter was the cheeky photos of Alcaraz rolling around in the red dirt.—
Ava Wallace,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
-
The main thing to know about the draft is that no one really knows anything.—
Dan Greene,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
Adverb
-
As the two bond in short order, our previously flailing hero shapes up very quickly indeed, soon shedding his substance abuse problems and entering a healthy relationship with dreamy social worker Oscar (Diego Calva).—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
16 May 2026
-
If this is indeed corrected by the league, Clark would have only the sixth 30-point, 10-assist game in WNBA history.—
Jon Root OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Honestly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honestly. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
