Synonyms of untruthful

untruthful

adjective

ˌən-ˈtrüth-fəl 

1

as in erroneous

not being in agreement with what is true

an unintentionally untruthful statement that the candidate later corrected

Synonyms & Similar Words

• erroneous
• inaccurate
• incorrect
• wrong
• false
• untrue
• misleading
• inexact
• distorted
• invalid
• unsound
• deceptive
• off base
• off
• fraudulent
• specious
• counterfactual
• deceitful
• fictitious
• mendacious
• dishonest
• illusory
• delusive
• fallacious
• spurious
• lying
• delusory
• unproven
• invented
• awry
• unconfirmed
• amiss
• fabricated
• untested
• askew
• made-up
• trumped-up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• true
• accurate
• factual
• correct
• valid
• proper
• right
• precise
• exact
• sound
• demonstrated
• confirmed
• veracious
• errorless
• perfect
• established
• tested
• proven
• impeccable
• flawless
• faultless
• letter-perfect

2

as in misleading

telling or containing lies

the political action committee was slammed for spreading untruthful smears about the candidate and his wife

Synonyms & Similar Words

• misleading
• dishonest
• erroneous
• mendacious
• false
• lying
• untrue
• fallacious
• hypocritical
• insincere
• hypocrite
• perjurious
• two-faced
• double-dealing
• mealymouthed
• smooth-tongued

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• truthful
• honest
• true
• open
• candid
• straightforward
• sincere
• moral
• earnest
• veracious
• conscientious
• reliable
• scrupulous
• principled
• trustworthy
• plainspoken
• dependable
• honorable
• ethical
• virtuous
• straight
• righteous
• respectable
• decent
• trusty
• upright
• just
• trustable
• right-minded
• upstanding

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective untruthful differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of untruthful are deceitful, dishonest, and mendacious. While all these words mean "unworthy of trust or belief," untruthful stresses a discrepancy between what is said and fact or reality.

an untruthful account of their actions

When is deceitful a more appropriate choice than untruthful?

The words deceitful and untruthful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deceitful usually implies an intent to mislead and commonly suggests a false appearance or double-dealing.

the secret affairs of a deceitful spouse

When would dishonest be a good substitute for untruthful?

While the synonyms dishonest and untruthful are close in meaning, dishonest implies a willful perversion of truth in order to deceive, cheat, or defraud.

a swindle usually involves two dishonest people

When might mendacious be a better fit than untruthful?

While in some cases nearly identical to untruthful, mendacious may suggest bland or even harmlessly mischievous deceit and when used of people often suggests a habit of telling untruths.

mendacious tales of adventure

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of untruthful

Since 2019, state law has required law enforcement agencies that employ POST certificate holders to notify the board if a certificate holder knowingly made an untruthful statement during an internal affairs investigation, among other circumstances. — Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 8 May 2026

These questions were raised after reporting by The New York Times in August 2024 regarding Moore’s untruthful claims about receiving the Bronze Star in Afghanistan — a story originally reported on in 2022 by FOX45’s Mikenzie Frost. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2026

In his earlier testimony on Thursday morning, Espinoza told Wise County District Attorney James Stainton that Horner had been untruthful throughout the investigative process. — Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026

Federal authorities announced an investigation Friday of two immigration officers who appeared to have made untruthful statements under oath about a shooting in Minneapolis last month. — Hannah Schoenbaum, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026