honesty

[ on-uh-stee ]

noun

, plural hon·es·ties.

1. the quality or fact of being honest; uprightness and fairness.

   Synonyms: rectitude, probity, integrity

   Antonyms: dishonesty

2. truthfulness, sincerity, or frankness.

   Synonyms: veracity, candor

3. freedom from deceit or fraud.
4. Botany. a plant, Lunaria annua, of the mustard family, having clusters of purple flowers and semitransparent, satiny pods.
5. Obsolete. chastity.

honesty

/ ˈɒnɪstɪ /

noun

1. the condition of being honest
2. sincerity or fairness
3. archaic.
   virtue or respect
4. Also calledmoonwortsatinpod a purple-flowered SE European plant, Lunaria annua, cultivated for its flattened silvery pods, which are used for indoor decoration: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)

Other Words From

• o·ver·hon·es·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of honesty¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English honeste, from Middle French, from Latin honestās; honest, -ty ²

Synonym Study

See honor.

Example Sentences

Hollie was the last contestant to be picked by Sir Tom and, during the competition, he praised the sound and the "rare honesty" of Hollie's voice.

From BBC

“Whether on stage, on screen, or in personal conversations, Tony brought an unyielding honesty that resonated deeply with his friends, family, and fans.”

From Los Angeles Times

Judge Williams told the family of the girl "it is clear to me that she is a kind, caring, intelligent and honest girl. She is to be commended for her courage in coming forward and her honesty in coming forward".

From BBC

At a recent rally in Michigan, former First Lady Michelle Obama said Trump has “no honesty, no decency, no morals,” and too often gets a pass for his outlandish behavior.

From Los Angeles Times

"He came in at 15 years old, a really tall, gangly, skinny lad - didn't look like a footballer at all in all honesty," he says.

From BBC

Related Words

• candor
• confidence
• fairness
• faithfulness
• frankness
• honor
• integrity
• loyalty
• morality
• probity
• rectitude
• responsibility
• self-respect
• sincerity
• trustworthiness
• veracity
• virtue