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
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
There are outright lies, half-truths, sneaky lies, etc.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024
Thank you, internet, for building such a smokescreen of rumors and half-truths so that no one ever knew what was going to happen.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 5 Aug. 2024
When the publication of the research report is accompanied by any kind of lies or half-truths that magnify the size of the move, the government sees that as market manipulation.
—Felix Salmon, Axios, 29 July 2024
His obituary would be filled with half-truths and lies.
—Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 26 June 2024
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
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
There are outright lies, half-truths, sneaky lies, etc.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024
Thank you, internet, for building such a smokescreen of rumors and half-truths so that no one ever knew what was going to happen.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 5 Aug. 2024
When the publication of the research report is accompanied by any kind of lies or half-truths that magnify the size of the move, the government sees that as market manipulation.
—Felix Salmon, Axios, 29 July 2024
His obituary would be filled with half-truths and lies.
—Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 26 June 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 14 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share