half-truth
noun
ˈhaf-ˌtrüth 
ˈhäf-
1
: a statement that is only partially true
2
: a statement that mingles truth and falsehood with deliberate intent to deceive
Examples of half-truth in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In his two days of hearings, Kennedy will offer excuses and half-truths, as well as full-on lies, anything to get approval.
—
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 29 Jan. 2025
Tribune reporter Ronald Yates then revealed in 1976 that two witnesses were forced to tell half-truths and withhold vital information during Toguri’s trial.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
After the Los Angeles fires, lies and half-truths about California's water policies and the state's emergency response spread at breakneck speed.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
The gaslighting and half-truths left viewers with unanswered questions and a sense of manipulation.
—Giana Levy, refinery29.com, 31 Oct. 2024
That half-truth avoids the fact that warmer oceans generate stronger storms with heavier downfalls.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 Nov. 2024
These half-truths, lies, distortions, and trickery were most troubling for me.
—Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 8 Nov. 2024
Another debate, another opportunity for politically convenient half-truths and dubious statistics.
—Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 25 Oct. 2024
Read More: How Trump Won The real danger when a leader traffics in half-truths and conflicting claims is that people don’t know what to believe.
—Barbara McQuade, TIME, 6 Nov. 2024
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 29 Jan. 2025
Tribune reporter Ronald Yates then revealed in 1976 that two witnesses were forced to tell half-truths and withhold vital information during Toguri’s trial.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
After the Los Angeles fires, lies and half-truths about California's water policies and the state's emergency response spread at breakneck speed.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
The gaslighting and half-truths left viewers with unanswered questions and a sense of manipulation.
—Giana Levy, refinery29.com, 31 Oct. 2024
That half-truth avoids the fact that warmer oceans generate stronger storms with heavier downfalls.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 Nov. 2024
These half-truths, lies, distortions, and trickery were most troubling for me.
—Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 8 Nov. 2024
Another debate, another opportunity for politically convenient half-truths and dubious statistics.
—Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 25 Oct. 2024
Read More: How Trump Won The real danger when a leader traffics in half-truths and conflicting claims is that people don’t know what to believe.
—Barbara McQuade, TIME, 6 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Half-truth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half-truth. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.
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