LIE Synonyms: 146 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'lie' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lie are equivocate , fib , palter , and prevaricate . While all these words mean "to tell an untruth," lie is the blunt term, imputing dishonesty. // lied about where he had been

Q: When could 'equivocate' be used to replace 'lie'?

The words equivocate and lie are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, equivocate implies using words having more than one sense so as to seem to say one thing but intend another. // equivocated endlessly in an attempt to mislead her inquisitors

Q: Where would 'fib' be a reasonable alternative to 'lie'?

While in some cases nearly identical to lie , fib applies to a telling of a trivial untruth. // fibbed about the price of the new suit

Q: When is it sensible to use 'palter' instead of 'lie'?

While the synonyms palter and lie are close in meaning, palter implies making unreliable statements of fact or intention or insincere promises. // a swindler paltering with his investors

Q: How do 'prevaricate' and 'lie' relate to one another?

Prevaricate softens the bluntness of lie by implying quibbling or confusing the issue. // during the hearings the witness did his best to prevaricate

lie 1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈlī

Definition of lie next

as in to deceive

to make a statement one knows to be untrue would I lie to you about that?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lie

2 of 3

verb (2)

ˈlī

as in to lead

to be positioned along a certain course or in a certain direction the train tracks lie just over that hill

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to be

to occupy a place or location I left the book lying on the counter

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to hide

to remain out of sight paparazzi were lying in wait outside the restaurant, a well-known celebrity hangout

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lie

3 of 3

noun

ˈlī

as in tale

a statement known by its maker to be untrue and made in order to deceive he wanted to deny the accusation, but he couldn't tell a lie

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb lie differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lie are equivocate, fib, palter, and prevaricate. While all these words mean "to tell an untruth," lie is the blunt term, imputing dishonesty.

lied about where he had been

When could equivocate be used to replace lie?

The words equivocate and lie are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, equivocate implies using words having more than one sense so as to seem to say one thing but intend another.

equivocated endlessly in an attempt to mislead her inquisitors

Where would fib be a reasonable alternative to lie?

While in some cases nearly identical to lie, fib applies to a telling of a trivial untruth.

fibbed about the price of the new suit

When is it sensible to use palter instead of lie?

While the synonyms palter and lie are close in meaning, palter implies making unreliable statements of fact or intention or insincere promises.

a swindler paltering with his investors

How do prevaricate and lie relate to one another?

Prevaricate softens the bluntness of lie by implying quibbling or confusing the issue.

during the hearings the witness did his best to prevaricate

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of lie

Verb

In September, the officials collectively projected that the neutral rate lies between 2.4% and 3.8%. —

Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2024 Her physical self lies beneath consideration, eaten by a memoir, subjugated and brutalized to prop up an identity. —

Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024

Noun

In 2020, the race was called four days later, then became the subject of numerous lawsuits and a torrent of lies from Trump and his allies, who falsely claimed the election had been stolen. —

Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024 And while their relationship is a little cozier these days, the former president had threatened to throw Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg in jail as part of Trump’s lies about election fraud. —

William Gavin, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lie

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lie

Noun

In my book, the catalogue of tales that spring from Thanksgiving easily rival those of Christmas.

Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 27 Nov. 2024
The holiday tale doubles as a good entry into horror for youngsters, with a small town beset by freaky gremlins because teenagers can't follow simple instructions.

Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024