belie

verb

bi-ˈlī How to pronounce belie (audio)
Definition of belienext
1
as in to misrepresent
to give a misleading impression of his bright smile belied his actual mood, which was really one of great sadness

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to refute
to prove to be false the latest information belies the old theory

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to conceal
to keep secret or shut off from view the security council issued false assurances that belied the true gravity of the situation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 belie For all the early acclaim, Hazemann, 26, and Monnin, 25, project a level of discipline that belies their age. — The Editors, Robb Report, 27 June 2026 Oulai does everything required of a modern defensive midfielder, marrying athletic ground coverage with tough tackling and a passing range that belies his young age. — The Athletic, New York Times, 27 June 2026 However, this robust growth was belied by declines in median wealth in most of the 56 markets monitored by UBS, pointing to a growing wealth gap. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 2 July 2026 With Erik Spoelstra saying all the right things but belying them with his actions, the Kel’el Ware-Bam Adebayo pairing appeared to have a limited future. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for belie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belie
  1. misrepresent
  2. refute
  3. conceal
  4. obscure
  5. hide
Verb
  • Alumni contend the investigation is politically motivated and misrepresents the law, aiming to undermine Yale's commitment to diversity.
    — Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • While there is certainly a problem with the ubiquity of politicians and business leaders of advanced age, Moyn misrepresents older people and offers solutions that are discriminatory against them.
    — Peter Gosselin, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Definition of misrepresent
Verb
  • Four fisher people from Indonesia’s Pari Island filed a legal complaint in 2023 against the Swiss construction company Holcim, which refutes their assertion that its climate change-causing emissions threaten their homes and livelihoods.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • Wainger also refuted the assertion that Pennel had expected to be arrested.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
Definition of refute
Verb
  • The two allegedly stole incoming cash and concealed the thefts by generating checks and forging the court clerk’s signature.
    — Nathan Pilling July 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
  • But an airline passenger in Indianapolis was caught using a peanut butter jar to conceal something altogether more concerning.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Definition of conceal
Verb
  • While institutional incentives aren't wrong, portraying them solely as student benefits obscures a critical reality.
    — Scott White, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Crews have been seen unloading equipment from trucks this week — much of it covered or obscured — and barricades have been placed near the perimeter of the arena.
    — Meriam Bouarrouj, NBC news, 4 July 2026
Definition of obscure
Verb
  • For loungability there’s a king bed, a hide-a-bed sofa, a fireplace and theater seats.
    — Kris Millgate, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • When Fluffy failed to come out of hiding after 24 hours, Melissa Kirby and her husband began making and posting missing cat posters around their neighborhood.
    — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Definition of hide

Browse Nearby Words

belfry
belie
belied
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Cite this Entry

“Belie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belie. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of belie for Spanish Speakers

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