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

Badawi, having traveled to more than 34 African countries, dismantles many untruths in this prolific book. —Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 18 Dec. 2024

Social media appears to be just as effective in spreading untruths and even ethnic barbs in Ethiopia. —James Jeffrey, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2016

From slanderous claims of Haitian immigrants eating pets, to litanies of untruths about pervasive election fraud, Trump has lied more than any U.S. president on record. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

He’s pursued his anti-wind obsession ever since with hurricane-force gusts of exaggeration, misinformation and bizarre untruths. —Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

untruth

noun

un·​truth ˌən-ˈtrüth 

ˈən-

1

: lack of truthfulness : falsity

2

: something that is untrue : falsehood, lie