MENDACIOUS Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

mendacious

adjective

men-ˈdā-shəs

Definition of mendacious next

as in misleading

telling or containing lies that tabloid routinely publishes the most moronically mendacious stories about celebrities

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Florida’s mendacious leaders only darken the nightmare. —

Jake Cline, Washington Post, 8 July 2024 The mendacious Gray Heron lures Mahito into a dreamlike world with the possibility of bringing back his deceased mother. —

Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2024 This is a crabbed and mendacious interpretation of the law. —

Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2024 The administration of President Joe Biden has been steadfast in its refusal to criticize López Obrador’s security policies, avoiding confrontation even when the Mexican president has publicly attacked U.S. law-enforcement agencies as mendacious and corrupt. —

Tim Golden, ProPublica, 31 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mendacious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mendacious

Adjective

However, officials may well be hoping that a high-profile prosecution would help to restore public trust by showing the authority's determination to root out dishonest officers.

— Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
People are less inclined to engage in dishonest behavior when they are treated fairly, compensated properly and see themselves as integral to the company’s mission.

— Toby Braun, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025