as in lie detector
an instrument for detecting physical signs of the tension that goes with lying
intelligence agents were trained to fool the polygraph
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Recent Examples of polygraph
While polygraph exams are typically not admissible in court proceedings, they are frequently used by federal law enforcement agencies and for national security clearances.
—
Tara Copp, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025
Perez said Friday that the polygraph exam has been a long-standing part of the city’s hiring process and while there have been occasional calls from stakeholders to do away with the polygraph, the commission plans to keep the requirement in place.
—Shelly Bradbury, The Denver Post, 20 Dec. 2024
Over a year later, George Anthony and Cindy Anthony took polygraph tests about their involvement in their granddaughter's death in an A&E and Lifetime special.
—Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Nonetheless, the staffer was investigated, asked to take a polygraph and was told the agency intends to revoke her clearance.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polygraph
Tara Copp, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025
Perez said Friday that the polygraph exam has been a long-standing part of the city’s hiring process and while there have been occasional calls from stakeholders to do away with the polygraph, the commission plans to keep the requirement in place.
—Shelly Bradbury, The Denver Post, 20 Dec. 2024
Over a year later, George Anthony and Cindy Anthony took polygraph tests about their involvement in their granddaughter's death in an A&E and Lifetime special.
—Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Nonetheless, the staffer was investigated, asked to take a polygraph and was told the agency intends to revoke her clearance.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polygraph
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polygraph
lie detector
Noun
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James also described being required to take lie detector tests twice when Combs was trying to learn who stole cash and a watch.—
Michael R. Sisak,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2025
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James testified that he was forced to take two lie detector tests during his time working for Combs.—
Bethany Brown,
People.com,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Polygraph.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polygraph. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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