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.
Jane Doe withdrew her lawsuit last month after Carter raised questions about the veracity of her account and his attorney sought sanctions against Buzbee. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 3 Mar. 2025 Asked to confirm the veracity of Goss’ statement, KDHE doubled down in a Monday statement that was repeated in many state and national media outlets’ reporting. Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 29 Jan. 2025 Rossi and Smiley were questioned by cast and fans about the veracity of their relationship and authenticity in front of cameras. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025 While there was some disagreement over the veracity of Trump’s threats, there was consensus that the president’s strategy has not shifted from his first term. Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 25 Jan. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Veracity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/veracity. Accessed 2 Apr. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!