lie detector

noun

Definition of lie detectornext
as in polygraph
an instrument for detecting physical signs of the tension that goes with lying hooked the suspect up to a lie detector before interrogating him about the robbery

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 lie detector The building is outfitted with advanced technology, including three interview rooms with lie detectors that only use retina movement to base its findings. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 2026 These plays all scratch the same exact itch of, say, watching Bachelorette hunks get hooked up to a lie detector or watching Mike White whine about the lack of fine cuisine on Survivor. — Literary Hub, 2 June 2026 Back in 2022, the Good American co-founder took a lie detector test with her sister, Kourtney Kardashian Barker, for a Vanity Fair video. — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026 Though Earle left Cooper’s Unwell Network months before Johnson chimed in during her Vanity Fair lie detector test in June 2025, nothing was ever confirmed on what went down between the two women and why Earle parted ways with Cooper’s company in March 2025. — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lie detector
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lie detector
polygraph
Noun
  • The counterclaim alleges Wherry hired a private investigator to look into the burglary, and Thompson failed a subsequent polygraph examination.
    — Rachel DeSantis, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
  • Carla’s boyfriend and family members were ruled out after passing polygraphs, according to Plautz.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
Definition of polygraph

Browse Nearby Words

lied
lie detector
lie detectors
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Cite this Entry

“Lie detector.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lie%20detector. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lie detector

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lie detector

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