dishonest

adjective

dis·​hon·​est (ˌ)dis-ˈä-nəst 

 also  (ˌ)diz-

1

obsolete : shameful, unchaste

2

: characterized by lack of truth, honesty, or trustworthiness : unfair, deceptive

dishonestly adverb

Synonyms

• lying
• mendacious
• untruthful

Choose the Right Synonym for dishonest

dishonest, deceitful, mendacious, untruthful mean unworthy of trust or belief.

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 Web

Harvard’s dishonest expert on honesty is a poignant symbol of a far larger problem in academia: ideological allegiance replacing the quest for truth. —Andrew Follett, National Review, 31 May 2025

On one hand, the inquiry appeared to play into his rivals’ criticisms of Mr. Cuomo as a dishonest broker, who has been accused of putting nursing home residents at risk during the coronavirus pandemic and seeking to cover it up. —Nicholas Fandos, New York Times, 21 May 2025

Geragos told the jury directly that Combs was a dishonest and sometimes violent person who cheated on and lied to his multiple partners. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 12 May 2025

There's also research showing that AI agents can easily be subversive, self-serving and dishonest in their actions. —Lisa Loud, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French deshoneste, from des- dis- + honeste honest

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dishonest

• honest
• monist

Kids Definition

dishonest

adjective

dis·​hon·​est (ˈ)dis-ˈän-əst 

: not honest or trustworthy : deceitful

dishonest people

dishonestly adverb