Synonyms for

Lie

Verb / laɪ / Another word for lie — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To make a statement that is not true with the intent to deceive.

Synonyms & similar words

trygvelie liedown liein prevarication consist stand trygvehalvdenlie arise dwell rest lie fib fiction deceit falsehood untruth fabrication prevarication misrepresentation tale story whopper falsification disinformation misstatement exaggeration mendacity dishonesty equivocation perjury

Synonyms by register

Formal

prevaricate misrepresent deceive fib

Informal

fib stretch the truth tell a tall tale bend the truth

Literary

falsehood untruth mendacity

Antonyms

truth honesty veracity fact reality candor

Common collocations

  • tell a lie
  • a blatant lie
  • a white lie
  • caught in a lie
  • lie detector
  • lie in state
  • lie down
  • lie about

Word family

noun lie
verb lie

Usage note

The verb 'lie' (to tell an untruth) is often confused with 'lie' (to recline). The past tense of 'lie' (to tell an untruth) is 'lied'.

Example sentences

  1. He told a lie when he said he didn't break the vase.
  2. It's not okay to lie to your parents.
  3. She got in trouble for telling a lie.
  4. It's always better to tell the truth than to tell a lie.
  5. Sometimes people lie to avoid getting in trouble.

Quotes

  • A single lie discovered is enough to create doubt in every truth expressed.
  • A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.
  • A lie told often enough becomes the truth.

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