Honest Definition & Meaning

honest
adjective
  1. not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent; "honest lawyers"; "honest reporting"
  2. without dissimulation; frank; "my honest opinion"
  3. worthy of being depended on; "a dependable worker"; "an honest working stiff"; "a reliable sourcSFLe of information"; "he was true to his word"; "I would be true for there are those who trust me"
  4. without pretensions; "worked at an honest trade"; "good honest food"
  5. marked by truth; "gave honest answers"; "honest reporting"
  6. not forged; "a good dollar bill"
  7. gained or earned without cheating or stealing; "an honest wage"; "an fair penny"

Synonyms for honest

artless adj

characterized by an inability to mask your feelings; not devious

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dependable adj

worthy of reliance or trust; "a reliable source of information"; "a dependable worker" worthy of being depended on

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downright adv

thoroughgoing; "he is outright dishonest" characterized by plain blunt honesty; "a downright answer

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guileless adj

free of deceit

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honorable adj

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent; "honest lawyers

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open adj

affording unobstructed entrance and exit; not shut or closed; "an open door

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reliable adj

worthy of reliance or trust; "a reliable source of information"; "a dependable worker" worthy of being depended on

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sincere adj

open and genuine; not deceitful; "he was a good man, decent and sincere"; "felt sincere regret that they were leaving

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square adv

in a straight direct way; "looked him squarely in the eye"; "ran square into me" in a square shape

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straight adv

without deviation; "the path leads directly to the lake"; "went direct to the office" in a forthright manner

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"Honest" in song lyrics

See how honest is used in real songs:

  • "shiver and quiver if you really were ever honest"
    2Mex — Falcon Gentle
  • "We need questions to make us honest"
    Alexipharmic — Colossus
  • "Of bettering the self through being truly honest"
    Alexipharmic — Colossus

Words that rhyme with honest

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Usage tips for "honest"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "honest" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for honest to find words that pair well.

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♫ Rhymes with honest ↔ Synonyms for honest 🔬 Words containing honest

Frequently asked questions

What does honest mean?
not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent; "honest lawyers"; "honest reporting" without dissimulation; frank; "my honest opinion" worthy of being depended on; "a dependable worker"; "an honest working stiff"; "a reliable sourcSFLe of information"; "he was true to his word"; "I would be true for there are those who trust me" without pretensions; "worked at an honest trade"; "good honest food" marked by truth; "gave honest answers"; "honest reporting" not forged
What part of speech is honest?
Honest is an adjective.
How many definitions does honest have?
Honest has 7 definitions across 1 part of speech (adjective).

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