Synonyms for

Lying

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

Definition

Lying is telling a false statement with the intent to deceive.

Synonyms & similar words

liedown liein prevarication consist stand arise dwell rest fabrication lie deceit dishonesty fabrication falsehood falsification fibbing fiction invention misrepresentation prevarication storytelling untruthfulness whopper equivocation deception mendacity tale myth

Synonyms by register

Formal

deceitful mendacious untruthful fallacious

Informal

fibbing bending the truth pulling someone's leg spinning a yarn

Literary

prevaricating equivocating falsehood

Antonyms

truthful honest veracious sincere candid forthright

Common collocations

  • lying awake
  • lying in wait
  • lying down
  • lying around
  • lying through your teeth
  • lying about something
  • lying to someone

Word family

noun lie
verb lie
adjective lying
adverb lyingly

Usage note

The word 'lying' refers to the act of making an untrue statement with the intent to deceive. It is often contrasted with 'telling the truth'.

Example sentences

  1. Lying is not a good habit.
  2. She caught her brother lying to their parents.
  3. I don't like it when people are lying to me.
  4. Lying can result in losing someone's trust.
  5. Lying is not the solution to any problem.

Quotes

  • A half-truth is a whole lie.
  • A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.
  • A lie told often enough becomes the truth.

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