half-truths

noun

plural of half-truth
as in lies
a statement that is only partly true and that is intended to deceive people I'm tired of all these half-truths—I want to know the real story.

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of half-truths Her backstory is littered with half-truths and deceptions, including a lie that her mentally disabled younger sister was murdered after being kidnapped. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026 When Juliette gets an audience with the Algorithm, the Mayor tells the voice some half-truths about why someone needs to go to Silo 17 immediately. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026 The Soviet Union embraced Lenin’s concept of agitation—the use of emotional slogans and half-truths to influence the masses. — Marc Fisher, New Yorker, 30 July 2026 Don’t settle for half-truths; seek meaningful joy. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026 Some information is useful, some is harmful and some are half-truths that can cost you real money. — Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026 People who rely on half-truths often underestimate how visible their behavior becomes. — Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026 In this environment, influencers and politically motivated accounts now function as de facto broadcasters, often spreading half-truths, distortions or outright falsehoods with little accountability. — Editorial, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026 Over the next 90 years, tourism in Natchez blossomed around half-truths and omissions. — Joe Sills, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for half-truths
  1. lies
  2. tales
  3. stories
  4. distortions
  5. exaggerations
Noun
  • The film follows an 11-year-old boy who exploits his brother’s tragic death to fight his father and his community, until his lies expose the hypocrisy and corruption beneath a seemingly moral society.
    — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Their lawsuit against Jones and the 2022 verdict marked the first time he was held financially liable for peddling lies about the massacre, claiming it was faked by the government to tighten gun laws.
    — Jim Vertuno, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of lies
Noun
  • The second book, Shift, consists of alternating flashback sequences, telling both the origin story of the silos and tales from past rebellions.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The movie is inspired by Gavras’ affinity for mythology, having grown up listening to his father interweave tales with myths.
    — Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of tales
Noun
  • Still, state media have been highlighting stories about cafes and other businesses being forced to close for failing to enforce rules on clothing.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • His approach combines research on neuroscience and productivity with personal experience and stories.
    — John Hall, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of stories
Noun
  • Lamont sees greater potential for distortions in individual names and corners of the market favored by retail traders.
    — Lisa Kim,Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
  • But the Kremlin’s progressive embrace of a wartime economy has nonetheless led to major distortions, including rising inflation acute labor shortages, leaving the country in an increasingly precarious fiscal state.
    — Ilan Berman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of distortions
Noun
  • Distracting from real issues These conspiracy theories are more than exaggerations for a broader audience.
    — Aaron Coy Moulton, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Art to me is a way to find beauty behind the lies and exaggerations.
    — Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of exaggerations

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half-truth
half-truths
halfway
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Cite this Entry

“Half-truths.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/half-truths. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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