dishonest implies a willful perversion of truth in order to deceive, cheat, or defraud.
a swindle usually involves two dishonest people
deceitful usually implies an intent to mislead and commonly suggests a false appearance or double-dealing.
the secret affairs of a deceitful spouse
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
untruthful stresses a discrepancy between what is said and fact or reality.
an untruthful account of their actions
Examples of dishonest in a Sentence
She gave dishonest answers to our questions.
I think he is being dishonest about how much he knows
Recent Examples on the WebHis campaign to become Labour leader was systemically dishonest.—Luke McGee, CNN, 23 June 2024 First of all, the media is so dishonest and so corrupt, and the pile-on is so amazing.—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 6 May 2024 Aid for Women rejects the dishonest picture the educators paint of the client experience at pregnancy care centers.—Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2024 Would that more institutions took that stand, instead of capitulating to a dishonest, braying mob.—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for dishonest
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dishonest.' 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 Anglo-French deshoneste, from des- dis- + honeste honest
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