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
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The politician’s mendacious statements were designed to win votes, not to convey the truth.
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The witness’s mendacious testimony was exposed during cross-examination.
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The con artist’s mendacious claims convinced many people to invest in his fraudulent scheme.
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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.