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 Zhang blends her reporting and current statistics with a very personal human story of discovery, truth, and belonging. Longreads, 22 Mar. 2024 In the film Berkley plays Nomi Malone, who hitchhikes her way into Las Vegas and achieves her dream of becoming a star dancer, but also comes to know the bitter truths behind the fantasy. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2024 In a new interview on SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live, the Puerto Rican superstar revealed his father, Enrique, encouraged him to take a leap of faith and come out as gay to his fans in order to live his truth. Jack Irvin, Peoplemag, 21 Mar. 2024 Much like Harry Potter houses, star signs or Myers-Briggs tests, there is perhaps some (some) truth to color analysis. Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2024 In truth, the voucher is a clandestine smart contract which permits a third party to transfer out an unlimited amount of funds from the wallet. TIME, 21 Mar. 2024 This puts misinformation at an advantage over the often less sensational truth that gets pushed aside. Todd Spangler, Variety, 19 Mar. 2024 In our journey through life, few truths are as universal as the inevitability of change. Shawn Vandiver, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2024 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

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 29 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

More from Merriam-Webster on truth

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!