half-truth
noun
ˈhaf-ˌtrüth 
ˈhäf-
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
Tribune reporter Ronald Yates then revealed in 1976 that two witnesses were forced to tell half-truths and withhold vital information during Toguri’s trial.
—
Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
After the Los Angeles fires, lies and half-truths about California's water policies and the state's emergency response spread at breakneck speed.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
The gaslighting and half-truths left viewers with unanswered questions and a sense of manipulation.
—Giana Levy, refinery29.com, 31 Oct. 2024
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
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.
Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
After the Los Angeles fires, lies and half-truths about California's water policies and the state's emergency response spread at breakneck speed.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
The gaslighting and half-truths left viewers with unanswered questions and a sense of manipulation.
—Giana Levy, refinery29.com, 31 Oct. 2024
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
Articles Related to half-truth
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 23 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share