1
as in truthful
being in the habit of telling the truth
at least the weatherman is honest and doesn't pretend to be able to predict the unpredictable
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2
as in honorable
conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue
an area populated by honest and industrious farm folk
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3
as in ethical
following the accepted rules of moral conduct
an honest customer who doesn't hesitate to tell the cashier she's given him too much change
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4
as in genuine
free from any intent to deceive or impress others
the sort of person who helps others from an honest desire to do good
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5
as in candid
free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions
appreciate your honest friends, who tell you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear
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6
as in conscientious
guided by or in accordance with one's sense of right and wrong
made an honest attempt to return the money she had found in the cafeteria
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7
as in authentic
being exactly as appears or as claimed
a restaurant serving honest down-home Southern cooking
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of honest
Confidence grows when money talks stay honest.
—
Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 5 Jan. 2026
For viewers already practiced at reading emotional nuance, watching two men love each other openly — even in locker rooms or on the ice — felt honest.
—Jennifer Obel, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
But the honest and simplest answer is that the 49ers would probably prefer to face the Panthers, who are coming off a 16-14 loss in a win-and-in road game against Tampa Bay.
—Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 4 Jan. 2026
Your 7th House of Partnership draws focus as the instinctive Moon enters, inviting honest exchanges and useful commitments.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for honest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honest
Adjective
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And there’s the disability of Brian, and just being to be really truthful about all of that in some meaningful way, and try to capture it correctly.—
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This play is about having deep and truthful conversation.—
Adjective
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Clarke, a junior, also was an honorable-mention All-Big Ten selection after totaling 30 tackles, eight passes defended and a fumble recovery in eight games.—
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Other than honorable discharges carry serious, long-term consequences, including the inability to access veteran benefits and disqualifications on becoming a police officer.—
Adjective
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Find a tax preparer, but first review the agency's tips to find an ethical one.—
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However, ethical leadership requires a clear boundary between policy disagreement and the normalization — or tacit justification — of violence.—
Adjective
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Nothing wrong with a little fantasy, but this year’s astrology asks us to stop romanticizing potential and start paying attention to what feels genuine, reciprocal and enduring.—
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The tears in Yang’s eyes appeared genuine.—
Adjective
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Beijing is also candid — if selectively so — about its interest in strategic resources.—
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Bird shared a candid carousel of photos from a fun night with friends, featuring her girlfriend by her side.—
Adjective
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Bindi’s only six years older, but is very conscientious and a real caregiver.—
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There are unanswered overtures from the choir’s pianist Horner (Robert Emms), a soft, vulnerable young man whose conscientious-objector status renders him a fellow outsider.—
Adjective
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From the upscale shopping paradise of Bal Harbor to the authentic cultures of Little Havana and Little Haiti, and the contemporary art scene of the Design District, the destination offers a variety of experiences.—
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The video quickly went viral, reaching over 2 million views with many viewers assuming the image was authentic.—
Adjective
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For decades, Venezuela was one of America's closest partners in Latin America, a reliable energy supplier, and a democracy that helped anchor the region.—
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Finding the right toiletry bag for your next trip is as important as buying a reliable carry-on or a hassle-free backpack.—
Cite this Entry
“Honest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honest. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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