Definition

Mendacious means lying or dishonest, often with the intention of deceiving others.

Pronunciation

US English

UK English

Part of Speech

Mendacious is an adjective.

Synonyms

Deceitful, untruthful, false, dishonest, insincere.

Antonyms

Truthful, honest, sincere, straightforward, candid.

Word Forms

Part of Speech Words
Noun mendacity, mendacities
Verb None
Adjective mendacious
Adverb mendaciously

Example Sentences

  • The politician’s mendacious statements were designed to win votes, not to convey the truth.

  • The witness’s mendacious testimony was exposed during cross-examination.

  • The con artist’s mendacious claims convinced many people to invest in his fraudulent scheme.

  • The journalist’s article was criticized for its mendacious portrayal of the facts.

Usage

The word “mendacious” is typically used to describe people or statements that are intentionally dishonest or deceptive. It can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from political propaganda to personal relationships.

The word “mendacious” comes from the Latin word “mendax,” which means lying or deceitful. It is often used in formal or academic contexts, such as legal documents, news articles, or scholarly papers.

There are several variations of the word “mendacious” that have slightly different meanings or connotations. For example, the noun “mendacity” can be used to describe a tendency to lie or deceive, while the adverb “mendaciously” can be used to describe behavior or statements that are done in a dishonest or deceitful manner.

It’s worth noting that the word “mendacious” is often used in a negative context, as it is associated with lying and deceit. However, it can also be used in a neutral or even positive context to describe a fictional or imaginative work. For example, a writer might use “mendacious” to describe a character or storyline that is deliberately misleading or deceptive in order to create suspense or intrigue.