falsehood

noun

false·​hood ˈfȯls-ˌhu̇d 

1

: an untrue statement : lie

2

: absence of truth or accuracy

3

: the practice of lying : mendacity

Synonyms

• delusion
• error
• fallacy
• falsity
• hallucination
• illusion
• misbelief
• misconception
• myth
• old wives' tale
• untruth

Examples of falsehood in a Sentence

the line between truth and falsehood

the possibility of a perpetual motion machine is one falsehood that has been disproved by modern physics

Recent Examples on the Web

People are increasingly willing to reject obvious falsehoods, and activists are decreasingly effective at intimidation. —Abigail Anthony, National Review, 3 Apr. 2025

Sometimes, algorithms can feed falsehoods that warp people’s perceptions or tell them to engage in dangerous behavior. —Seth Ashley, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2025

Robert Newton, a Columbia oceanographer, said the grant cancellations were based on a falsehood that Columbia had abandoned its obligations to its Jewish students. —Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2025

Our most important trading partners are Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Mexico, democratic allies that have been the targets of Donald Trump’s endless abuse and falsehoods. —Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for falsehood

• adulthood
• babyhood
• brotherhood
• cottonwood
• fatherhood
• firewood
• fuelwood
• hardihood
• ironwood
• leatherwood
• likelihood
• livelihood

Kids Definition

falsehood

noun

false·​hood ˈfȯls-ˌhu̇d 

1

: an untrue statement : lie

2

: the habit of lying