Lies: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'lies' when referring to deliberate statements that are known to be untrue, often with the intent to deceive.

• He was caught telling lies to get out of trouble
• She spread lies about her colleague

Use 'deception' when referring to the act of hiding the truth or misleading others. It encompasses broader actions beyond just verbal statements.

• His deception almost fooled everyone
• The magician's act was based on clever deceptions

Use 'untruths' to softly imply incorrect or false statements. It is often used in situations where the false statements may not be malicious.

• The article contained several untruths
• He told untruths about his whereabouts to protect his friend

Use 'falsehoods' when referring to statements or beliefs that are objectively false, regardless of whether they were intended to deceive.

• The report was filled with falsehoods
• Politicians often spread falsehoods during campaigns

This word is used when someone tells something untrue with the intention to deceive others. It is a very general term and can be used in most situations where falsehoods are involved.

• He told lies about his qualifications to get the job
• She discovered his lies after checking his story

Utilize this term when the focus is on the act of making someone believe something that is not true. It often implies trickery or manipulation.

• He tried to deceive her by hiding the evidence
• They deceived the customers with false advertising

This word is used when someone creates a false story or information, usually in a detailed or elaborate way. It often implies some effort and creativity in constructing the lie.

• She fabricated an alibi to avoid suspicion
• The journalist was fired for fabricating quotes

This term is used when someone is given the wrong idea or impression, often unintentionally. It can have less negative connotation compared to 'lie' or 'deceive'.

• He was misled by the ambiguous signs
• The website mislead visitors into thinking it was an official source