veracity

noun

ve·​rac·​i·​ty və-ˈra-sə-tē How to pronounce veracity (audio)
plural veracities
1
: conformity with truth or fact : accuracy
2
: devotion to the truth : truthfulness
3
: power of conveying or perceiving truth
4
: something true
makes lies sound like veracities

Did you know?

Veracity has been a part of English since the early 17th century, and we can honestly tell you that it derives from the Latin adjective vērāx ("truthful"), which in turn comes from the earlier vērus ("true"). Vērus also gives us verity ("the quality of being true"), verify ("to establish the truth of"), and verisimilitude ("the appearance of truth"), among other words. In addition, vērāx is the root of the word veraciousness, a somewhat rarer synonym and cousin of veracity.

Examples of veracity in a Sentence

What gives the book its integrity are the simplicity and veracity of these recipes and the small touches—bits of history, discovery and personal reflection. Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator, 31 Mar. 1998
The trial began with a flurry of motions and questions challenging the judge's authority and veracity. The defendants earlier had called the judge's authority into question when jurors were selected two weeks ago. Chris Bird, San Antonio Express-News, 23 Jan. 1996
… some documentary photographers supported the photographer's right to find essential rather than literal truths in any situation, while others … insisted on absolute veracity, maintaining that for images to be true to both medium and event, situations should be found, not reenacted. Naomi Rosenblum, A World History of Photography, 1989
We questioned the veracity of his statements. The jury did not doubt the veracity of the witness.
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.
While those who know the Disney family have confirmed the veracity of the post, attempts to reach Miller have been unsuccessful. Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025 The Athletic reached out to multiple Texas officials to confirm the veracity of the Chronicle’s report, but all declined comment. Sam Khan Jr., New York Times, 1 May 2025 The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office did not deny the veracity of the article, instead asserting that Israel’s actions have delayed Iran’s nuclear program. Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2025 No matter the veracity of the Trump administration’s fraud allegations, changes in how Social Security recipients are served could challenge those views on what the government should and can do. Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for veracity

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin vērācitāt-, vērācitās, from Latin vērāc-, vērāx "truthful" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at very entry 2

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of veracity was in 1614

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Cite this Entry

“Veracity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/veracity. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

veracity

noun
ve·​rac·​i·​ty və-ˈras-ət-ē How to pronounce veracity (audio)
plural veracities
1
: devotion to the truth : truthfulness
questioned the veracity of the witness
2
: agreement with truth or fact
described it with veracity

More from Merriam-Webster on veracity

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