barefaced

[ bair-feyst ]

adjective

1. with the face uncovered.
2. shameless; impudent; audacious:

   a barefaced lie.

   Synonyms: unabashed, bold, brazen

3. without concealment or disguise; boldly open:

   a barefaced approach.

   Synonyms: transparent, palpable, patent

barefaced

/ ˈbɛəˌfeɪst; ˈbɛəˌfeɪsɪdlɪ /

adjective

1. unconcealed or shameless

   a barefaced lie

2. with the face uncovered or shaven

Derived Forms

• ˈbareˌfacedness, noun
• barefacedly, adverb

Other Words From

• bare·fac·ed·ly [bair, -fey-sid-lee, -feyst-lee], adverb
• barefaced·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of barefaced¹

First recorded in 1580–90; bare ¹ + faced

Example Sentences

At our most ferocious, we might say to a barefaced stranger, “I have an extra mask if you need one.”

From Washington Post

A current promotion featuring a barefaced couple frolicking on the beach includes a free fourth night and an antigen test.

From Washington Post

He took the barefaced girl under his wing, taught her new tricks—and then exploited her trust in him.

From The Daily Beast

A distinguished wag about town says, the head coverings the ladies wear now-a-days, are barefaced false hoods.

From Project Gutenberg

At this impudent and barefaced falsehood, the agent was tongue-tied, but he turned to Hank.

From Project Gutenberg

"No; you didn't," said the boy, angered at this barefaced attempt to place him in a false position.

From Project Gutenberg

It must be admitted that the diplomacy of the sixteenth century was sufficiently barefaced in its impostures.

From Project Gutenberg

This bungling, barefaced attempt to destroy the steamer touched Mayo's pride as deeply as it stirred his wrath.

From Project Gutenberg