The word "truthful" is an adjective that describes someone or something that is in accordance with the truth or is honest. Here are some synonyms and their explanations:
1. Honest
- Explanation: "Honest" is perhaps the most common synonym for "truthful." It implies a moral integrity and a commitment to telling the truth and being sincere. When a person is honest, they do not lie, cheat, or deceive. For example, an honest person will admit their mistakes and give an accurate account of events. "He was an honest man who always told the truth, no matter the consequences."
- Example: The witness gave an honest testimony in court, which was also a truthful account of what she had seen.
2. Veracious
- Explanation: "Veracious" is a more formal term that means habitually speaking the truth. It emphasizes the consistency of a person's truth - telling. It is often used to describe someone's character or a source of information. For example, a veracious historian is one who is committed to presenting accurate historical facts. "The veracious journalist always verified her sources before publishing a story."
- Example: His veracious nature made him a reliable source of information, just like a truthful person would be.
3. Sincere
- Explanation: "Sincere" refers to a person's genuineness and the absence of false pretense. While it doesn't directly mean "telling the truth," a sincere person is more likely to be truthful because they are true to their own feelings and beliefs. When someone is sincere, they express themselves honestly. For example, a sincere apology is one that comes from the heart and is an honest admission of wrong - doing. "She gave a sincere answer to the question, showing her truthful attitude."
- Example: The politician's sincere speech was filled with truthful statements about his plans for the community.
4. Authentic
- Explanation: "Authentic" generally means genuine or real. When applied to a statement or a person's words, it implies that they are true and not a counterfeit or a false representation. For example, an authentic report is one that contains accurate and truthful information. "The authentic diary provided a truthful record of the author's life during that period."
- Example: The museum displayed authentic artifacts with truthful descriptions about their origin and history.
5. Trustworthy
- Explanation: "Trustworthy" describes a person or a source that can be relied upon to be truthful. It implies that you can have confidence in the truthfulness of what they say or do. For example, a trustworthy friend is one who always tells the truth and keeps your secrets. "He was a trustworthy colleague, and his reports were always truthful."
- Example: The reliable news agency was known for being trustworthy and providing truthful news.
6. Candid
- Explanation: "Candid" means being open, honest, and straightforward in speech or manner. A candid person doesn't hold back the truth and is willing to express their true opinions. For example, a candid interview is one where the interviewee gives truthful and unfiltered answers. "The candid confession was a sign of his truthful nature."
- Example: Her candid remarks during the meeting were all truthful and helped to clarify the situation.