1
a(1)
: the body of real things, events, and facts : actuality
actions guided by truth
also
: the real facts about something
need to face the truth
Tell me the truth.
You think I don't care, but nothing could be further from the truth. [=that is absolutely not true]
I said I liked it, but truth be told/known [=really, honestly], it was awful.
(2)
: the state of being the case : fact
the truth of the matter
(3)
often Truth
: a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality
A movie can depart from the strict truth and capture a broader, deeper truth …—Adrian J. Rivera
b(1)
: a judgment, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true
truths of thermodynamics
a basic/fundamental/eternal/universal truth of human nature
(2)
: truism
c
: the body of true statements and propositions
commitment to scientific truth
2
a
: the property (as of a statement) of being in accord with fact or reality
There's no truth in anything he says.
Her story contains a grain/kernel of truth.
I doubt the truth of their accusations.
b
chiefly British
: true sense 2
Her propeller shaft was a trifle out of truth …—C. S. Forester
c
: fidelity to an original or to a standard
The actor struggled to find the truth of the character.
3
a
: sincerity in action, character, and utterance
… the absolute truth of his speech and the rectitude of his behavior.—Ralph Waldo Emerson
see also live one's truth
4
see also:
Cite this Entry
“Truth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truth. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.
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