Synonyms of untruthful

untruthful

adjective

ˌən-ˈtrüth-fəl 

1

as in erroneous

not being in agreement with what is true

an unintentionally untruthful statement that the candidate later corrected

Synonyms & Similar Words

• erroneous
• inaccurate
• incorrect
• wrong
• false
• untrue
• misleading
• inexact
• distorted
• invalid
• unsound
• deceptive
• off base
• off
• fraudulent
• specious
• counterfactual
• deceitful
• fictitious
• mendacious
• dishonest
• illusory
• delusive
• fallacious
• spurious
• lying
• delusory
• unproven
• invented
• awry
• unconfirmed
• amiss
• fabricated
• untested
• askew
• made-up
• trumped-up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• true
• accurate
• factual
• correct
• valid
• proper
• right
• precise
• exact
• sound
• demonstrated
• confirmed
• veracious
• errorless
• perfect
• established
• tested
• proven
• impeccable
• flawless
• faultless
• letter-perfect

2

as in misleading

telling or containing lies

the political action committee was slammed for spreading untruthful smears about the candidate and his wife

Synonyms & Similar Words

• misleading
• dishonest
• erroneous
• mendacious
• false
• lying
• untrue
• fallacious
• hypocritical
• insincere
• hypocrite
• perjurious
• two-faced
• double-dealing
• mealymouthed
• smooth-tongued

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• truthful
• honest
• true
• open
• candid
• straightforward
• sincere
• moral
• earnest
• veracious
• conscientious
• reliable
• scrupulous
• principled
• trustworthy
• plainspoken
• dependable
• honorable
• ethical
• virtuous
• straight
• righteous
• respectable
• decent
• trusty
• upright
• just
• trustable
• right-minded
• upstanding

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective untruthful differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of untruthful are deceitful, dishonest, and mendacious. While all these words mean "unworthy of trust or belief," untruthful stresses a discrepancy between what is said and fact or reality.

an untruthful account of their actions

When is deceitful a more appropriate choice than untruthful?

The words deceitful and untruthful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deceitful usually implies an intent to mislead and commonly suggests a false appearance or double-dealing.

the secret affairs of a deceitful spouse

When would dishonest be a good substitute for untruthful?

While the synonyms dishonest and untruthful are close in meaning, dishonest implies a willful perversion of truth in order to deceive, cheat, or defraud.

a swindle usually involves two dishonest people

When might mendacious be a better fit than untruthful?

While in some cases nearly identical to untruthful, mendacious may suggest bland or even harmlessly mischievous deceit and when used of people often suggests a habit of telling untruths.

mendacious tales of adventure

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of untruthful

The search led her to a nearby house — and into a complicated situation involving several untruthful children and their parents. —Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025

The author’s entire barrage of commentary is plainly untruthful, as shown in reference to the August 2017 incident in which protestors were in favor of or against the removal of a statue of Robert E. Lee in Charlottesville, Virginia, that turned violent. —Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 24 Nov. 2025

King suggested the defense attorney was being untruthful. —Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 13 Nov. 2025

Officers making contact with Hyatt noted an odor of intoxicants, staggering gait, confusion and illogical, untruthful responses to questions, according to the motion. —Arkansas Online, 18 Aug. 2025