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

Looking Ahead The central challenge is swiftly distinguishing between truth and falsehood in an era where milliseconds matter. —Yasin Dus, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

Their ire was not solely about the RFK matter, though mentions included falsehoods about taxpayer dollars being involved. —Ben Standig, The Athletic, 19 Dec. 2024

Drake’s stardom is, seemingly in Lamar’s eyes, hollow, built on a foundation of falsehoods, or at least exaggerations, and done without principles. —Hanif Abdurraqib, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024

PolitiFact Wisconsin readers can get in on the voting action as PolitiFact National lists its top stories and fact checks and asks readers to weigh in with their choice for No. 1 falsehood in the Readers' Choice category. —D.l. Davis, Journal Sentinel, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

falsehood

noun

false·​hood ˈfȯls-ˌhu̇d 

1

: an untrue statement : lie

2

: the habit of lying