Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective mendacious differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mendacious are deceitful, dishonest, and untruthful. While all these words mean "unworthy of trust or belief," 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

When is deceitful a more appropriate choice than mendacious?

The words deceitful and mendacious 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 might dishonest be a better fit than mendacious?

In some situations, the words dishonest and mendacious are roughly equivalent. However, dishonest implies a willful perversion of truth in order to deceive, cheat, or defraud.

a swindle usually involves two dishonest people

In what contexts can untruthful take the place of mendacious?

The meanings of untruthful and mendacious largely overlap; however, untruthful stresses a discrepancy between what is said and fact or reality.

an untruthful account of their actions

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 mendacious Two stand out: his profile and endorsement, in 2000, of Ralph Nader’s independent presidential campaign, and his early opposition to George W. Bush’s disastrous and mendacious invasion of Iraq. Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024 The candidate vying for a second White House stint — in the midst of his third overall campaign — has accumulated a long list of acts who do not want to be associated with his divisive, frequently mendacious rhetoric. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2024 After a similarly poor, though far less mendacious, performance from Biden in the Presidential debate, leaders in his party demanded that the President exit the race. Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2024 Florida’s mendacious leaders only darken the nightmare. Jake Cline, Washington Post, 8 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for mendacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mendacious
Adjective
  • The cruelty of his dishonest sham, founded on disdain for the autistic community and aimed at parents of autistic children, defies decency.
    Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Blanketing our communities with descriptions that focus solely on crime is dishonest and hinders our efforts to achieve peace, especially those of us who have survived the unthinkable loss of a loved one to murder.
    Clementina Chery, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • For generations, his grave has been marked by an erroneous headstone with a Latin cross, not a Star of David, something Eiferman learned only recently.
    Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2025
  • But Trump sees trade deficits as America getting ripped off, which is erroneous.
    Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement on June 1 was terribly misguided, and his justification for doing so was misleading and untruthful.
    Robert N. Stavins, Foreign Affairs, 5 June 2017
  • What is more untruthful: A thing written down, or a sustained deception of the heart?
    Nicolette Polek, Harper's Magazine, 2 July 2024
Adjective
  • Last year’s 17-9 start proved to be a false spring, one that lulled fans into thinking Craig Counsell replacing David Ross was the real difference between an 83-win Cubs team and the postseason.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Reemerging as a cult figure with cameo roles in films and TV shows, a Broadway revival of his Pee-wee stage show, and a final Pee-wee film, Reubens refuses to have his legacy be defined by media scandals based on false rumors.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mendacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mendacious. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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