honestly

Examples

• All

• Confidence helps you deal honestly with your shortcomings and act to correct them.

  Academic text (1998)

• I must tell you honestly that I didn't know what to make of all this.

  Fiction book (1992)

• So I want to answer this honestly, but let me say this.

  Stephan Speaks

• What is happening here is you honestly believe that I come to this show?

• This is honestly bigger than my floor plan.

• Do you honestly think I would say no to that question right now?

  The Wrath of Becky (2023)

• I can honestly say that these last few months have been the happiest of my life.

  Saltburn (2023)

• Well, I honestly wasn't expecting that.

  Werewolf Cabal (2022)

• I have worked with academic researchers who honestly and earnestly believe that all records should be open for examination.

  Academic text (2011)

• I can honestly say that these last few months have been the happiest of my life.

Synonyms

T

truly

vshonestly

∞ 1.0

In a real and honest way

is used more for ordinary truthful manner than strong emphasis

F

frankly

vshonestly

∞ 3.2

In an honest and direct way that may upset or surprise

is more neutral and less likely to shock while remaining truthful

T

to be honest

vshonestly

• Informal

541 2.3

To show you are telling the truth or how you really feel

is used as a phrase to start speech rather than a manner adverb

O

openly

vshonestly

274 1.6

To say or do things without hiding feelings

is about personal truthfulness rather than public visibility

G

genuinely

vshonestly

207 2.5

In a real and honest way, not pretending

is more about simple truthful reporting than full authenticity

S

sincerely

vshonestly

165 1.0

In a way that shows true feelings without pretending

is more about plain factual truth than emotional depth

S

straight-up

vshonestly

• Informal

144 7.9

Used to say something is completely honest without exaggeration

is less slangy and more neutral in tone

D

directly

vshonestly

106 1.4

In a clear honest way, saying what you think

is more about moral truth and sincerity than mere immediacy

F

from the heart

vshonestly

89 3.8

Someone does something in an honest way showing real feeling

is less emotional and more about plain truth

T

truthfully

vshonestly

82 2.3

To tell what really happened without lying or hiding anything

is more about personal sincerity and feeling than strict accuracy

C

candidly

vshonestly

25 4.1

In an honest, direct way without hiding your true thoughts

is less about bluntness and more about pure truthfulness

F

forthrightly

vshonestly

6 6.7

In a direct and honest way without hiding anything

is less forceful and more about simple truth

S

straightforwardly

vshonestly

5 3.9

In a clear, honest way without hiding anything

is broader, focusing on honesty rather than only plain delivery

U

unironically

vshonestly

1 5.4

Speaks or acts in an honest way without sarcasm

is about truthfulness rather than merely avoiding irony

U

uprightly

vshonestly

1 5.9

Acting honestly and fairly

is focused on simple truthfulness rather than broad moral conduct

I

in a heartfelt way

vshonestly

1 4.1

Shows deep, real feeling and care when speaking or acting

is about straightforward truth rather than emotional warmth

I

ingenuously

vshonestly

1 7.7

In an open and honest way that shows no hidden plan

is more about deliberate truthfulness than naive openness

U

unfeignedly

vshonestly

• Archaic

1 9.5

In a sincere and honest way that shows true feeling

is more common in everyday speech rather than formal expression

Antonyms

D

dishonestly

5 3.5

In a way that tries to trick or cheat other people

How Honest

frankly

∞ 3.2

candidly

25 4.1

honestly

123 1.3

dishonestly

5 3.5

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology