true 1 of 2

adjective

ˈtrü How to pronounce true (audio)
Definition of truenext
1
as in real
being exactly as appears or as claimed his claim that he's the heir to the throne of Greece can't be true

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Relevance

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2
as in correct
being in agreement with the truth or a fact or a standard if that is true, then we can't get in without a key

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3
as in actual
existing in fact and not merely as a possibility the true scope of this environmental problem is far greater than anyone imagined

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4
as in loyal
firm in one's allegiance to someone or something he will be true to his word

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5
as in accurate
following an original exactly it's not a true reproduction of the painting because the original is much larger

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6
as in genuine
free from any intent to deceive or impress others may our love for one another always be true

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7
as in historical
restricted to or based on fact that news story is completely true, for the station released a list of its sources to back it up

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8
as in reliable
worthy of one's trust a true friend when you need one

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9
as in typical
having or showing the qualities associated with the members of a particular group or kind paleontologists are still debating whether the fossil is that of a true dinosaur or a precursor

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10
as in honorable
conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue a person of great integrity, he was the truest person I've ever met

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true

2 of 2

adverb

as in even

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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 true
Adjective
And then there was the focus on volume (a true bigger is better time in beauty), that involved hair spray, gel, mousse, and more. — María Diez, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026 Even heartfelt moments where Jackie’s deepest secrets are revealed, connecting her sordid past to her chaotic future, fail to elicit a true emotional tug. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
Adverb
This was the second unique compliment of the day, which rang true not only to Kim’s mythology of endless growth and expansion, but also to her whole family’s larger, cross-genre, and inter-disciplinary brand. — Vogue, 22 Apr. 2022 Even Klotz noted his predictions came true faster than anyone expected, let alone him. — Meghan M. Biro, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2021 See All Example Sentences for true
Recent Examples of Synonyms for true
  1. real
  2. correct
  3. actual
  4. loyal
  5. accurate
  6. genuine
  7. historical
  8. reliable
Adjective
  • In July, Anthropic described three instances where its Claude models accessed the internet during an evaluation and gained unauthorized access to the real systems of three different organizations.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The Taurus Moon opposes Venus in Scorpio, highlighting the gap between what feels comfortable and what creates real closeness.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of real
Adjective
  • College Principal Robert Wafula said the training ensures the correct message is taught to congregations and has helped in other countries such as Rwanda, where the government closed 70 Quaker churches in a recent crackdown led by untrained pastors.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Use the correct amount of detergent, and avoid using more than is necessary to prevent product buildup that can cause odor and make the towels feel stiff.
    — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of correct
Adjective
  • As for actual results, there was talk of an AI hotline to notify each other of risks that rise to the national security level, and an agreement to extend a trade truce for two months.
    — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 26 Sep. 2026
  • That position could help shield parts of the intake and engine from observers below, but the images cannot establish the jet’s actual radar or infrared detectability.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of actual
Adjective
  • Both political camps inspire intensely loyal supporters — and fierce opposition.
    — Catherine Osborn, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The post goes on to say that loyal, regular customers are what kept FunDimension afloat.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of loyal
Adjective
  • Iran’s long-range, highly accurate Shahed-136 attack drones — flying fiberglass triangles that cost about $35,000 each — have helped Tehran hold off the world’s most powerful military.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Even so, Mejia wants more information to be sure that those reports are accurate, especially because the city previously agreed to help cover any deficit should the Games lose money.
    — James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of accurate
Adjective
  • And Steward’s emphasis on cultivating a genuine connection to his players fit naturally with the culture Chesney vowed to instill in Westwood.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Companies have achieved genuine breakthroughs in locomotion, perception and manipulation.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of genuine
Adjective
  • But the work’s critics also appeal to its past; actual encounter is informed by historical circumstances, which means looking back.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The bill would have directed state agencies to recognize historical inequities affecting tribes, and to consult with them on water projects, plans and policies.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of historical
Adjective
  • Radio signals also behave differently underwater, making reliable communication a persistent engineering challenge.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Our focus is on operating a safe and reliable heating system, doing critical infrastructure work cost effectively, and helping customers make ends meet through energy-efficiency programs, budget-friendly billing plans and financial assistance.
    — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of reliable

Phrases Containing true

Browse Nearby Words

trudging
true
true believer
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Cite this Entry

“True.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/true. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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