1
2
a
: reputable, respectable
honest decent people
3
: worthy of praise
an honest day's work
put forth an honest effort
4
a
: marked by integrity
honest merchants
b
: marked by free, forthright, and sincere expression : frank
an honest appraisal
an honest discussion
1
: in a genuine or honest (see honest entry 1) manner : honestly
I have ever found thee honest true—
William Shakespeare
2
: with all sincerity
I didn't do it, honest
Synonyms
Examples of honest in a Sentence
Adjective
He says that it's impossible to find an honest politician.
These criminals pose a danger to honest citizens.
He has an honest face.
Just give me an honest answer.
If you want my honest opinion, you should get a job.
To be perfectly honest, I don't want to go.
He gave us a painfully honest account of his childhood.
It was an honest error.
He still goes to the office every morning and puts in an honest day's work.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ralphie Aversa, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
And lawyers have a responsibility as officers of the court, even in the public square, to be truthful and honest.
—Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Dec. 2024
Below, take a look at our editors’ honest reviews of their favorite Jones Road beauty products.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 19 Dec. 2024
Second, to be very honest with you, Accuser, we as a group have been slightly concerned about our standing with some women of late.
—Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for honest 
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.
Adjective
The actress, who plays an attorney and de facto detective, allows an honest revelation.
—Articles Related to honest
Dictionary Entries Near honest
Cite this Entry
“Honest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honest. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
honest
1 of 2 adjective
hon·est
ˈän-əst 
1
: free from fraud or trickery : truthful
an honest plea
3
: good in the eyes of society : respectable
poor but honest people
4
honest
2 of 2 adverb
: to tell the truth : I mean it
I didn't do it, honest I didn't
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share