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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Someone says the rats are actually cute — what’s your honest response?
—
Zach Schiffman, Curbed, 24 Apr. 2026
Talarico seems to recognize that some Texans mistrust his novel messaging, and that his job now is to convince would-be Christian voters that his faith is an honest reading of scripture—which just so happens to point in a progressive direction.
—Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
These are neighborhood spots where the food is honest and the atmosphere is low-key — no reservations or pretense required.
—Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2026
That comes from having honest conversations with family.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for honest
Zach Schiffman, Curbed, 24 Apr. 2026
Talarico seems to recognize that some Texans mistrust his novel messaging, and that his job now is to convince would-be Christian voters that his faith is an honest reading of scripture—which just so happens to point in a progressive direction.
—Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
These are neighborhood spots where the food is honest and the atmosphere is low-key — no reservations or pretense required.
—Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2026
That comes from having honest conversations with family.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for honest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honest
Adjective
-
On cross-examination, the prosecution asked Imhof if some part of his evaluation relied on Horner being truthful in answering questions.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Borrowers were required to provide truthful, accurate information on the loan paperwork.—
Chase Jordan
April 28,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
During the raid, the thieves stole the Cotofenesti helmet, one of Romania’s most honorable natural treasures, as well as three golden bracelets, according to the AP.—
Paloma Chavez,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
-
After receiving an honorable discharge in 1972, Nolte returned to Raytown to begin a career as an electrician.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Engineers mustn’t forget their responsibility in creating responsible and ethical AI.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Skills such as judgment, creativity, communication, and ethical reasoning will become even more important as information is easier to generate.—
Bruce Broussard,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Some genuine hardhat-lunch pail, hand-in-the-dirt stuff with foundation anchored in cement, not sand.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Pinky knows this, hence her genuine tears with the lawyer, though sometimes the mask starts to drop.—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
On the university project, Tamayo acknowledged recent progress — including degree programs launching at the Millenia Library this fall — but was candid about the gaps that remain.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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The president has not been as candid with his administration’s own controversies, but watchdogs in executive agencies have scrutinized some of his members.—
Ana Ceballos
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Dogs are allowed off-leash with conscientious owners.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Sam has encouraged the boy to be more conscientious with his studies and has been learning alongside him for years, picking up his schoolbooks and offering ideas on how to make the assignments more meaningful.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This kind of formation happens best through authentic relationships, which is why grandparents matter now more than ever.—
Peter Folan,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Dark rum adds authentic flavor to these bars inspired by the cocktail.—
Jenavieve Christensen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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This Oxo spinner remains one of the most reliable options, with a smooth pump mechanism and sturdy construction that holds up better than most.—
Jennifer Zyman,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
28 Apr. 2026
-
In his first varsity season, the junior infielder/pitcher has developed into a reliable reliever for the Warriors.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Honest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honest. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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