plural truths ˈtrüt͟hz How to pronounce truth (audio) ˈtrüths How to pronounce truth (audio)
1
a(1)
: the body of real things, events, and facts : actuality
(2)
: the state of being the case : fact
(3)
often capitalized : a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality
b
: a judgment, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true
truths of thermodynamics
c
: the body of true statements and propositions
2
a
: the property (as of a statement) of being in accord with fact or reality
b
chiefly British : true sense 2
c
: fidelity to an original or to a standard
3
a
: sincerity in action, character, and utterance
b
archaic : fidelity, constancy
4
capitalized Christian Science : god
Phrases
in truth
: in accordance with fact : actually

Examples of truth in a Sentence

At some point you have to face the simple truth that we failed. Their explanation was simpler but came closer to the truth. The article explains the truth about global warming. A reporter soon discovered the truth. Do you swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Her story contains a grain of truth but also lots of exaggeration.
Recent Examples on the Web This truth is something the right-leaning in particular should embrace. John Tamny, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 There are real truths about things that Linda did that are just undeniable. Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Sep. 2024 That's very different from truth – language is a crude and low-res representation of reality. New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2024 An archival-only approach adds a timely reflection on misinformation and the nature of truth in modern times. Callum McLennan, Variety, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for truth 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'truth.' 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 trewthe, from Old English trēowth fidelity; akin to Old English trēowe faithful — more at true entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

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

Dictionary Entries Near truth

Cite this Entry

“Truth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truth. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

truth

noun
plural truths ˈtrüt͟hz How to pronounce truth (audio) ˈtrüths How to pronounce truth (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being true
2
: a true or accepted statement
3
: the body of real events or facts
4
: agreement with fact or reality

Biographical Definition

Truth

biographical name

Sojourner circa 1797–1883 American evangelist and reformer

More from Merriam-Webster on truth

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