half-truth

noun

1
: a statement that is only partially true
2
: a statement that mingles truth and falsehood with deliberate intent to deceive

Examples of half-truth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
That half-truth avoids the fact that warmer oceans generate stronger storms with heavier downfalls. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 Nov. 2024 These half-truths, lies, distortions, and trickery were most troubling for me. Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 8 Nov. 2024 Another debate, another opportunity for politically convenient half-truths and dubious statistics. Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 25 Oct. 2024 Read More: How Trump Won The real danger when a leader traffics in half-truths and conflicting claims is that people don’t know what to believe. Barbara McQuade, TIME, 6 Nov. 2024 In a statement, Karoline Leavitt, the campaign’s press secretary, didn’t address Trump’s political payments to his businesses, opting instead for some half-truths and sloganeering. Zach Everson, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 The issue is dominating the discussion in the northern Denver district after the Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade with each side spreading half-truths about where the candidates stand. John Frank, Axios, 9 Oct. 2024 The gritty film introduces Trump (Sebastian Stan) as a fumbling brat before Cohn teaches him to bully his way to fame through aggression, half-truths, and blanket denials. Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 8 Oct. 2024 Mass of Contradictions Judith Thurman’s article about my aunt, Simone Weil, repeats half-truths, exaggerations, and fantasies that have circulated for decades (Books, September 9th). The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of half-truth was in 1628

Dictionary Entries Near half-truth

Cite this Entry

“Half-truth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half-truth. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

half-truth

noun
-ˌtrüth
: a statement that is only partly true
especially : one that deliberately mixes truth and falsehood

More from Merriam-Webster on half-truth

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!