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lie

Q: How does the verb 'lie' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lie are equivocate , fib , palter , and prevaricate . While all these words mean "to tell an untruth," lie is the blunt term, imputing dishonesty. // lied about where he had been

Q: When could 'equivocate' be used to replace 'lie'?

The words equivocate and lie are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, equivocate implies using words having more than one sense so as to seem to say one thing but intend another. // equivocated endlessly in an attempt to mislead her inquisitors

Q: Where would 'fib' be a reasonable alternative to 'lie'?

While in some cases nearly identical to lie , fib applies to a telling of a trivial untruth. // fibbed about the price of the new suit

Q: When is it sensible to use 'palter' instead of 'lie'?

While the synonyms palter and lie are close in meaning, palter implies making unreliable statements of fact or intention or insincere promises. // a swindler paltering with his investors

Q: How do 'prevaricate' and 'lie' relate to one another?

Prevaricate softens the bluntness of lie by implying quibbling or confusing the issue. // during the hearings the witness did his best to prevaricate

verb (1)

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Synonyms & Antonyms of lie

(Entry 1 of 3)

to make a statement one knows to be untrue

would I lie to you about that?

Synonyms for lie

Words Related to lie

distort,
garble

Near Antonyms for lie

lie

verb (2)

Synonyms & Antonyms of lie (Entry 2 of 3)

1 to be positioned along a certain course or in a certain direction

the train tracks lie just over that hill

Synonyms for lie

Words Related to lie

2 to occupy a place or location

I left the book lying on the counter

Synonyms for lie

Words Related to lie

command,
overlook

await,
wait

post,
station

dwell,
reside

3 to remain out of sight

paparazzi were lying in wait outside the restaurant, a well-known celebrity hangout

Synonyms for lie

Words Related to lie

slink,
sneak

Phrases Synonymous with lie

lie low,
sit tight

Near Antonyms for lie

Antonyms for lie

appear

lie

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of lie (Entry 3 of 3)

a statement known by its maker to be untrue and made in order to deceive

he wanted to deny the accusation, but he couldn't tell a lie

Synonyms for lie

Words Related to lie

perjury

Near Antonyms for lie

Antonyms for lie

truth

Frequently Asked Questions About lie

How does the verb lie differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lie are equivocate, fib, palter, and prevaricate. While all these words mean "to tell an untruth," lie is the blunt term, imputing dishonesty.

lied about where he had been

When could equivocate be used to replace lie?

The words equivocate and lie are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, equivocate implies using words having more than one sense so as to seem to say one thing but intend another.

equivocated endlessly in an attempt to mislead her inquisitors