UNTRUTHFUL Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'untruthful' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of untruthful are deceitful , dishonest , and mendacious . While all these words mean "unworthy of trust or belief," untruthful stresses a discrepancy between what is said and fact or reality. // an untruthful account of their actions

Q: When is 'deceitful' a more appropriate choice than 'untruthful'?

The words deceitful and untruthful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deceitful usually implies an intent to mislead and commonly suggests a false appearance or double-dealing. // the secret affairs of a deceitful spouse

Q: When would 'dishonest' be a good substitute for 'untruthful'?

While the synonyms dishonest and untruthful are close in meaning, dishonest implies a willful perversion of truth in order to deceive, cheat, or defraud. // a swindle usually involves two dishonest people

Q: When might 'mendacious' be a better fit than 'untruthful'?

While in some cases nearly identical to untruthful , 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

adjective

ˌən-ˈtrüth-fəl

Definition of untruthful

as in erroneous

not being in agreement with what is true an unintentionally untruthful statement that the candidate later corrected

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in misleading

telling or containing lies the political action committee was slammed for spreading untruthful smears about the candidate and his wife

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective untruthful differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of untruthful are deceitful, dishonest, and mendacious. While all these words mean "unworthy of trust or belief," untruthful stresses a discrepancy between what is said and fact or reality.

an untruthful account of their actions

When is deceitful a more appropriate choice than untruthful?

The words deceitful and untruthful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deceitful usually implies an intent to mislead and commonly suggests a false appearance or double-dealing.

the secret affairs of a deceitful spouse

When would dishonest be a good substitute for untruthful?

While the synonyms dishonest and untruthful are close in meaning, dishonest implies a willful perversion of truth in order to deceive, cheat, or defraud.

a swindle usually involves two dishonest people

When might mendacious be a better fit than untruthful?

While in some cases nearly identical to untruthful, 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

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 untruthful Federal authorities announced an investigation Friday of two immigration officers who appeared to have made untruthful statements under oath about a shooting in Minneapolis last month. — Hannah Schoenbaum, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026 In his earlier testimony on Thursday morning, Espinoza told Wise County District Attorney James Stainton that Horner had been untruthful throughout the investigative process. — Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026 Since 2019, state law has required law enforcement agencies that employ POST certificate holders to notify the board if a certificate holder knowingly made an untruthful statement during an internal affairs investigation, among other circumstances. — Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 8 May 2026 These questions were raised after reporting by The New York Times in August 2024 regarding Moore’s untruthful claims about receiving the Bronze Star in Afghanistan — a story originally reported on in 2022 by FOX45’s Mikenzie Frost. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for untruthful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for untruthful

Adjective

In addition, the trial judge gave the jury erroneous instructions, the appeals court ruled.

— David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
But such fine evidence of the erroneous human touch in the publishing process is, of course, cherished by collectors of this day.

— Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of erroneous

Adjective

Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee released a report this week criticizing the president and Freedom 250, accusing it of diverting funds and misleading sponsors.

— Luke Fountain, CNBC, 3 July 2026
The charge alleges a person knowingly defrauded another by using false or misleading information to obtain money, property, credit or a loan.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of misleading

Adjective

The ruling said Durnell’s claim would require a warning that the EPA did not require – but information counter to EPA’s conclusions is by definition inaccurate.

— Sarah J. Morath, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
They’re also designed to be agreeable and can reinforce a user’s beliefs, even if those beliefs are inaccurate.

— Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of inaccurate

Adjective

There is no industry-standard pricing for tax relief, which is one reason why taxpayers can sometimes fall victim to overpriced or dishonest tax relief scams.

— Nick Perry, USA Today, 6 July 2026
For millions of individuals and businesses who rely on professional preparers, the answer portends a frightening prospect if the return preparer is dishonest.

— Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of dishonest

Adjective

In 2024, Air Canada's AI agent gave a passenger incorrect information about bereavement fares.

— Stu Sjouwerman, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Even though talks with the Boston Red Sox at last year’s deadline never got close, the confusion provided by an incorrect tweet announcing Ryan’s trade to New England put the pitcher at the top of every trade list before the season even began.

— Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of incorrect

Adjective

The 2026 State of the Union speech stands in contrast, a speech by a mendacious demagogue who has degraded his listeners by debauching their instincts.

— Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
Supporters of recent state AI regulations said the measures will address potential threats to public safety and personal privacy, and to counter any mendacious actions created by AI, while not hindering innovation.

— Hope Moses, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026

Definition of mendacious

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untruthful

untruthfully

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“Untruthful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untruthful. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of untruthful

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