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 None of the communities in Judea and Samaria are founded on an Arab place or property, and whoever says this is a liar. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2023 Well, maybe not a liar, but any baby born of Ashley Benson will surely be pretty and little. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 8 Nov. 2023 Along the way, crumbs dribble out about how various characters wound up in this predicament, with the disclaimer Joo-young has already shown herself to be an accomplished liar in terms of taking her at her word. Brian Lowry, CNN, 6 Oct. 2023 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 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 9 Dec. 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

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