liar

noun

li·​ar ˈlī(-ə)r How to pronounce liar (audio)
: a person who tells lies
has a reputation as a liar

Examples of liar in a Sentence

She called him a dirty liar. she knew he was a liar when he started claiming that he was an astronaut
Recent Examples on the Web Game of Thrones The depiction of two powerful families - kings and queens, knights and renegades, liars and honest men - playing a deadly game for control of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, and to sit atop the Iron Throne. Rudie Obias, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Nov. 2023 The findings suggest that even seemingly innocuous deepfakes can contribute to the liar’s dividend. IEEE Spectrum, 9 Nov. 2023 Yet Eric’s contradiction to his own deposition also shines a light on the prosecution’s strategy, which has been to question his credibility without outright calling him a liar. Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling, The New Republic, 3 Nov. 2023 The influencer, 42, interrupted and claimed that Erin was a liar. Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 23 Oct. 2023 Yet Eric’s contradiction to his own deposition also shines a light on the prosecution’s strategy, which has been able to question the brother’s credibility without outright calling him a liar. Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling, The New Republic, 2 Nov. 2023 Its leaders and authorities were alternatively cruel and inept and — even more infuriating to Navalny — a bunch of greedy, hypocritical liars. David M. Herszenhorn, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2023 Riyad Mansour accused Israel of carrying out the strike, calling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a liar for blaming the strike on the armed group Islamic Jihad. Dov Lieber, WSJ, 18 Oct. 2023 Lincoln County District Court/The Oklahoman via AP, File A new Oklahoma judge could lose her job for sending more than 500 texts to her bailiff during a murder trial, including messages mocking the prosecutor, praising the defense attorney and calling a key witness a liar. Ken Miller, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2023 See More

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English lēogere, from lēogan to lie — more at lie

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of liar was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near liar

Cite this Entry

“Liar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liar. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

liar

noun
li·​ar ˈlī(-ə)r How to pronounce liar (audio)
: a person who tells lies

More from Merriam-Webster on liar

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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