half-truth

noun

1
: a statement that is only partially true
2
: a statement that mingles truth and falsehood with deliberate intent to deceive

Examples of half-truth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
And the public is left drowning in a sea of hot takes and half-truths, trying to make sense of what—if anything—actually matters. Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025 True to the postmodern nature of DEI, the efforts to save it are a cacophony of half-truths, distortions, and downright lies. Ian Kingsbury, National Review, 22 Mar. 2025 Yet critics of American agriculture are spreading half-truths and outright lies. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 The issue is racially-charged and complex, and its discussion is often fueled by half-truths and myths spread online. William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 Everybody is lying or telling half-truths the whole time in this show. Max Gao, Variety, 22 Feb. 2025 Tribune reporter Ronald Yates then revealed in 1976 that two witnesses were forced to tell half-truths and withhold vital information during Toguri’s trial. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025 After the Los Angeles fires, lies and half-truths about California's water policies and the state's emergency response spread at breakneck speed. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 Whatever the case, half-truths and alternative facts are nothing new. Josh Browning, Big Think, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of half-truth was in 1628

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Cite this Entry

“Half-truth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half-truth. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

half-truth

noun
-ˌtrüth
: a statement that is only partly true
especially : one that deliberately mixes truth and falsehood

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