plural truths ˈtrüt͟hz How to pronounce truth (audio)
ˈtrüths
1
a(1)
: the body of real things, events, and facts : actuality
(2)
: the state of being the case : fact
(3)
often capitalized : a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality
b
: a judgment, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true
truths of thermodynamics
c
: the body of true statements and propositions
2
a
: the property (as of a statement) of being in accord with fact or reality
b
chiefly British : true sense 2
c
: fidelity to an original or to a standard
3
a
: sincerity in action, character, and utterance
b
archaic : fidelity, constancy
4
capitalized Christian Science : god
Phrases
in truth
: in accordance with fact : actually

Examples of truth in a Sentence

At some point you have to face the simple truth that we failed. Their explanation was simpler but came closer to the truth. The article explains the truth about global warming. A reporter soon discovered the truth. Do you swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Her story contains a grain of truth but also lots of exaggeration.
Recent Examples on the Web Nothing is more classical than Plato’s allegory of the cave, which is really a story about education: how human beings emerge from ignorance and discover truth. Emma Green, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 Youngkin, a multimillionaire former private equity chief, had marshaled his Harvard MBA and all of his business experience, plus that of his team of high-finance advisers, only to run up against a humbling Richmond truth: A governor is not a CEO. Laura Vozzella, Washington Post, 10 Mar. 2024 Another truth about the Black Manhattan is that these are all pretty good. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2024 Discovering that truth led Tavel on a decade-long journey to create the documentary Resynator, which premieres Sunday (March 10) at the SXSW FIlm & TV Festival. Thom Duffy, Billboard, 8 Mar. 2024 The honest truth was that finding Japanese actors and Portuguese actors who could speak both languages was incredibly tough. Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2024 Kazan deftly manages to convey Sister’s James struggle between innocent naivety and the loss of inner light that comes with considering ugly possible truths. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 7 Mar. 2024 The period drama is an ode to mankind’s spirit to do good, to pursue and discover truth at any cost and to fight for humanity. Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Feb. 2024 Most staff wonder what their CEO wants to hear, rather than speaking the plain truth. Christian Stadler, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'truth.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English trewthe, from Old English trēowth fidelity; akin to Old English trēowe faithful — more at true entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Time Traveler
The first known use of truth was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near truth

Cite this Entry

“Truth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truth. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

truth

noun
plural truths ˈtrüt͟hz How to pronounce truth (audio) ˈtrüths How to pronounce truth (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being true
2
: a true or accepted statement
3
: the body of real events or facts
4
: agreement with fact or reality

Biographical Definition

Truth

biographical name

Sojourner circa 1797–1883 American evangelist and reformer

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