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Definition of dishonestnext
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as in false
marked by, based on, or done by the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value dishonest appraisals of art works that were part of an elaborate scheme to defraud insurance companies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective dishonest differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dishonest are deceitful, mendacious, and untruthful. While all these words mean "unworthy of trust or belief," dishonest implies a willful perversion of truth in order to deceive, cheat, or defraud.

a swindle usually involves two dishonest people

When is deceitful a more appropriate choice than dishonest?

While the synonyms deceitful and dishonest are close in meaning, deceitful usually implies an intent to mislead and commonly suggests a false appearance or double-dealing.

the secret affairs of a deceitful spouse

When might mendacious be a better fit than dishonest?

The words mendacious and dishonest are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When could untruthful be used to replace dishonest?

The words untruthful and dishonest can be used in similar contexts, but untruthful stresses a discrepancy between what is said and fact or reality.

an untruthful account of their actions

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 dishonest It was later revealed that Bashir used false documents and other dishonest tactics to persuade Diana to agree to the interview. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 29 Nov. 2025 Gloria and a majority of the council have never apologized for the city’s dishonest tactics on this issue. U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Nov. 2025 These are very dishonest people who tried to step on the scales of a Presidential Election. Jack Dunn, Variety, 9 Nov. 2025 Matthiessen, not without reason, portrays the Bureau as paranoid, dishonest, and in league with corporate interests. Maggie Doherty, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dishonest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dishonest
Adjective
  • Experts immediately pointed out that Hassett had used a misleading method known as a cubic fit to make the mortality data appear less frightening.
    Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
  • For its misleading omissions, the Times story deserves a flunking grade.
    Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • From May 2020 to January 2022, Vazquez, Highsmith and several associates submitted fraudulent applications to financial institutions and the Small Business Administration.
    Chase Jordan January 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Trauernicht, 46, is accused of approving McFadden’s fraudulent timesheets while seeking a romantic relationship with her.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Plants that provide winter interest, including sedums, goldenrod, blue false indigo, and ornamental grasses.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Today’s teenagers can produce a TikTok video in minutes, but how many of them will learn to analyze the president’s false claim that Tylenol causes autism?
    Mary Ellen Klas, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Quick hits — Canales told reporters that the refs in the Panthers’ loss to the Bucs on Saturday never gave the Panthers the chance to replay a critical down after an erroneous whistle stopped it dead.
    DIAMOND VENCES, Charlotte Observer, 5 Jan. 2026
  • In Wiggins case, the court ruled the trial judge gave erroneous legal instructions to the jury.
    Stephen Swanson, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • While not everyone gets their wishes, those with no interest in taking on the deceptive — and challenging — role of a Traitor likely won't be chosen.
    Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The legal claims included negligence, wrongful death, deceptive trade practices, and product liability.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In the dry California hills, an intentional community tries to build a pyre for one of its own, and, in the complex and mendacious aftermath, may end up sort of burning down the nation-state.
    Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2025
  • To claim the opposite rings hollow at best, if not mendacious.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Willms plans to call the Bureau of Land Management — the agency that oversees these parcels of federal land — to report the crooked stake.
    Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Begin by removing any suckers at the base of the tree, side shoots on the trunk, crossing or crooked branches, dead or damaged branches, those that are growing inward, and crowded branches.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Others focussed less on the revelation that our chronically untruthful leader had failed to tell the truth about something, and more on the escalating hate speech about Somali immigrants in Minnesota that the President is now spewing forth on a regular basis.
    Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dishonest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dishonest. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on dishonest

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