untruth

noun

un·​truth ˌən-ˈtrüth 

ˈən-ˌtrüth

1

archaic : disloyalty

2

: lack of truthfulness : falsity

3

: something that is untrue : falsehood

Synonyms

• delusion
• error
• fallacy
• falsehood
• falsity
• hallucination
• illusion
• misbelief
• misconception
• myth
• old wives' tale

Examples of untruth in a Sentence

the untruths he has uttered

their argument rests on a fundamental untruth which has long been discredited

Recent Examples on the Web

The recent publications spreading untruths about Stephen have crossed every line of decency. —Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025

Roy Cohn’s long, dark shadow was hanging over the Capitol Rotunda on Monday and his legacy of aggression, misinformation and untruth is now a Kingdom Come. —Gerrad Hall, EW.com, 23 Jan. 2025

By contrast, animal hides are often non-biodegradable since they’re frequently coated in plastic—another untruth that has been promulgated by the industry. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 2 Jan. 2025

The verb lie, lie, lied, which means to tell an untruth, is an intransitive verb not requiring an object. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for untruth

• bluetooth
• forsooth
• sawtooth
• tolbooth
• uncouth
• vermouth
• luth
• muth
• sleuth
• sooth
• tooth
• youth

Kids Definition

untruth

noun

un·​truth ˌən-ˈtrüth 

ˈən-

1

: lack of truthfulness : falsity

2

: something that is untrue : falsehood, lie