untruth

noun

un·​truth ˌən-ˈtrüth 

ˈən-ˌtrüth

1

archaic : disloyalty

2

: lack of truthfulness : falsity

3

: something that is untrue : falsehood

Synonyms

• delusion
• error
• fallacy
• falsehood
• falsity
• hallucination
• illusion
• misbelief
• misconception
• myth
• old wives' tale

Examples of untruth in a Sentence

the untruths he has uttered

their argument rests on a fundamental untruth which has long been discredited

Recent Examples on the Web

From slanderous claims of Haitian immigrants eating pets, to litanies of untruths about pervasive election fraud, Trump has lied more than any U.S. president on record. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

He’s pursued his anti-wind obsession ever since with hurricane-force gusts of exaggeration, misinformation and bizarre untruths. —Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024

To help combat the concurrent squall of lies, FEMA has spent precious resources to combat the untruths by beefing up the Rumor Response page on its website. —Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2024

Beneath these fabrications are a bedrock of untruths humanity has told itself about the consequences of our collective actions. —Porter Fox, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

untruth

noun

un·​truth ˌən-ˈtrüth 

ˈən-

1

: lack of truthfulness : falsity

2

: something that is untrue : falsehood, lie