LIE Synonyms: 146 Similar and Opposite Words

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

lie 1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈlī

Definition of lie next

as in to deceive

to make a statement one knows to be untrue would I lie to you about that?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lie

2 of 3

verb (2)

ˈlī

as in to lead

to be positioned along a certain course or in a certain direction the train tracks lie just over that hill

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to be

to occupy a place or location I left the book lying on the counter

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to hide

to remain out of sight paparazzi were lying in wait outside the restaurant, a well-known celebrity hangout

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lie

3 of 3

noun

ˈlī

as in tale

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 & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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

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

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

Examples of lie in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Just a 20-minute boat ride from the city of Stavanger, Norway, lies a windswept island hiding an unexpected secret. —

David Nikel, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2024 In both racing and business, the key to success lies in never being satisfied with the status quo. —

Brendan Keegan, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2024 Beyond the fade of sweet summer lies a particularly sparkly fall culture season packed with tantalizing shows—enough to rival a political showdown for the ages. —

The New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2024 Inside lies the in-house Werk 01.240 caliber, with a flyback function that combines starting, stopping, and zeroing in one operation. —

Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lie

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lie.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.