true
1 of 4adjective
ˈtrü 
truer; truest
1
a(1)
: being in accordance with the actual state of affairs
true description
(2)
: conformable to an essential reality
(3)
: fully realized or fulfilled
dreams come true
b
: ideal, essential
c
: being that which is the case rather than what is manifest or assumed
the true dimension of the problem
d
: consistent
true to character
2
a
: properly so called
true love
the true faith
the true stomach of ruminant mammals
b(1)
: possessing the basic characters of and belonging to the same natural group as
a whale is a true but not a typical mammal
(2)
: typical
the true cats
3
a
: steadfast, loyal
b
: honest, just
c
archaic : truthful
4
: legitimate, rightful
our true and lawful king
5
a
: that is fitted or formed or that functions accurately
b
: conformable to a standard or pattern : accurate
6
: determined with reference to the earth's axis rather than the magnetic poles
true north
7
: logically necessary
8
: narrow, strict
in the truest sense
9
: corrected for error
trueness noun
true
2 of 4adverb
1
: in accordance with fact or reality
2
a
: without deviation
the bullet flew straight and true
b
: without variation from type
breed true
true
3 of 4noun
1
: truth, reality —usually used with the
2
: the quality or state of being accurate (as in alignment or adjustment) —used in the phrases in true and out of true
true
4 of 4verb
trued; trueing also truing
transitive verb
: to make level, square, balanced, or concentric : bring or restore to a desired mechanical accuracy or form
true up a board
true up an engine cylinder
Synonyms
Adjective
- authentic
- bona fide
- certifiable
- certified
- dinkum [Australian & New Zealand]
- echt
- genuine
- honest
- pukka
- pucka
- real
- right
- sure-enough
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective Indicate whether each of the following statements is true or false. If their predictions are true, we'll be in for a long winter. Is it true that you were planning to go without me? Jobs are scarce, and that is especially true for managers. The true cost proved to be much higher than they said it would be. His true character was revealed. the true meaning of the term Adverb The bullet traveled straight and true. See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Carson Kessler, ProPublica, 12 Sep. 2022 And that’s especially true for the struggling local economies and workers that could—but won’t necessarily—benefit from new national investments in semiconductor manufacturing and other advanced industries, some of them critical to climate action. Fortune, 9 Sep. 2022 If true, such a device would put Apple in position to better compete with companies like Garmin, which produce heavy-duty, fitness-tracking smartwatches in addition to more basic activity trackers. Chris Velazco, Washington Post, 7 Sep. 2022 Another old financial adage, however, does ring true—time is money. Rae Witte, Chron, 3 Sep. 2022 If true, this means that Twitter could be ripe for exploitation either from within or by outside adversaries assisted by people on the inside who may not have been properly vetted. Richard Forno, The Conversation, 1 Sep. 2022 This incident enhances the perception that Utah is not a welcome state to people of color, especially Black people, regardless of how true or false that perception is. Gary Washburn, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Sep. 2022 The amount of influence accorded to Los Angeles in that system depends on how one defines the geographic area, but no definition of the relevant area would make the claim true. Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 30 Aug. 2022 His release, if true, opens the door for Dennis Gardeck, Victor Dimukeje, as well as third-round draft picks Cameron Thomas and Myjai Sanders, who each excelled during Arizona’s third and final preseason game at the Titans on Saturday. Bob Mcmanaman, The Arizona Republic, 29 Aug. 2022 Paul S. Coakley, WSJ, 11 July 2022 That same principal holds true more broadly: The US has real material needs that could be met with better infrastructure for transportation, energy, and housing. Tim Fernholz, Quartz, 23 June 2022 This was the second unique compliment of the day, which rang true not only to Kim’s mythology of endless growth and expansion, but also to her whole family’s larger, cross-genre, and inter-disciplinary brand. Vogue, 22 Apr. 2022 Even Klotz noted his predictions came true faster than anyone expected, let alone him. Meghan M. Biro, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2021 But Valenzuela stuck true to her mission to blend the two cultures. Tirion Morris, The Arizona Republic, 18 July 2021 These arguments will not convince a true-believing textualist who is uninterested in a law's intent. Noah Feldman Bloomberg Opinion, Star Tribune, 6 Apr. 2021 Lindt Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg, Switzerland is making dreams come true worldwide with its new grandiose chocolate museum and breathtaking fountain. Sonia Ramirez, Houston Chronicle, 14 Sep. 2020 The words of former First Lady Michelle Obama rang true to many across America and around the world. Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 7 Aug. 2020 Daniel Ford, The New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2022 The interactive dinosaur event features dozens of true-to-life size dinosaurs recreated with scales or skin with help from palentologists. Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2022 Scientists struggled to make sense of the creatures, and the sculptures were the first attempt to visualize them in true-to-life size. CNN, 25 Nov. 2021 Today in Milan, Dua Lipa not only opened and closed the Versace show in true-to-form bombshell fashion, but debuted a surprise hair transformation. Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2021 This has dynamic crystal color with a fine crystal layer that reveals millions of true-to-life colors. Chris Hachey, BGR, 17 Aug. 2021 Dozens of true-to-size robo-dinos will roam the course, tilting their heads, opening their mouths and even appearing to breathe. Phillip Valys, sun-sentinel.com, 27 Nov. 2020 Isn’t the same true of Padres star Fernando Tatis, Jr.? Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Oct. 2020 Because now more than ever is the time to relax, have fun, and change up your tried and trues. Jenna Rennert, Vogue, 12 June 2017 Alia Wong, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2017 True the Vote itself has struggled to keep up momentum from the Obama era. Mark Berman And David Weigel, chicagotribune.com, 30 June 2017 True the Vote itself has struggled to keep up momentum from the Obama era. Mark Berman, Washington Post, 30 June 2017 See More
Adjective
Most of what people think they are required to purchase is not true. Carson Kessler, ProPublica, 12 Sep. 2022 And that’s especially true for the struggling local economies and workers that could—but won’t necessarily—benefit from new national investments in semiconductor manufacturing and other advanced industries, some of them critical to climate action. Fortune, 9 Sep. 2022 If true, such a device would put Apple in position to better compete with companies like Garmin, which produce heavy-duty, fitness-tracking smartwatches in addition to more basic activity trackers. Chris Velazco, Washington Post, 7 Sep. 2022 Another old financial adage, however, does ring true—time is money. Rae Witte, Chron, 3 Sep. 2022 If true, this means that Twitter could be ripe for exploitation either from within or by outside adversaries assisted by people on the inside who may not have been properly vetted. Richard Forno, The Conversation, 1 Sep. 2022 This incident enhances the perception that Utah is not a welcome state to people of color, especially Black people, regardless of how true or false that perception is. Gary Washburn, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Sep. 2022 The amount of influence accorded to Los Angeles in that system depends on how one defines the geographic area, but no definition of the relevant area would make the claim true. Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 30 Aug. 2022 His release, if true, opens the door for Dennis Gardeck, Victor Dimukeje, as well as third-round draft picks Cameron Thomas and Myjai Sanders, who each excelled during Arizona’s third and final preseason game at the Titans on Saturday. Bob Mcmanaman, The Arizona Republic, 29 Aug. 2022 Adverb
O’Connor’s words rang true then and are perhaps even more important now. Paul S. Coakley, WSJ, 11 July 2022 That same principal holds true more broadly: The US has real material needs that could be met with better infrastructure for transportation, energy, and housing. Tim Fernholz, Quartz, 23 June 2022 This was the second unique compliment of the day, which rang true not only to Kim’s mythology of endless growth and expansion, but also to her whole family’s larger, cross-genre, and inter-disciplinary brand. Vogue, 22 Apr. 2022 Even Klotz noted his predictions came true faster than anyone expected, let alone him. Meghan M. Biro, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2021 But Valenzuela stuck true to her mission to blend the two cultures. Tirion Morris, The Arizona Republic, 18 July 2021 These arguments will not convince a true-believing textualist who is uninterested in a law's intent. Noah Feldman Bloomberg Opinion, Star Tribune, 6 Apr. 2021 Lindt Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg, Switzerland is making dreams come true worldwide with its new grandiose chocolate museum and breathtaking fountain. Sonia Ramirez, Houston Chronicle, 14 Sep. 2020 The words of former First Lady Michelle Obama rang true to many across America and around the world. Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 7 Aug. 2020 Noun
Instead, there seemed to be an abundance of hubris and cult-like true-believing in the idea of a nuclear future in which the risk of a catastrophic accident was accepted, as a matter of doctrine, to be very low. Daniel Ford, The New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2022 The interactive dinosaur event features dozens of true-to-life size dinosaurs recreated with scales or skin with help from palentologists. Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2022 Scientists struggled to make sense of the creatures, and the sculptures were the first attempt to visualize them in true-to-life size. CNN, 25 Nov. 2021 Today in Milan, Dua Lipa not only opened and closed the Versace show in true-to-form bombshell fashion, but debuted a surprise hair transformation. Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2021 This has dynamic crystal color with a fine crystal layer that reveals millions of true-to-life colors. Chris Hachey, BGR, 17 Aug. 2021 Dozens of true-to-size robo-dinos will roam the course, tilting their heads, opening their mouths and even appearing to breathe. Phillip Valys, sun-sentinel.com, 27 Nov. 2020 Isn’t the same true of Padres star Fernando Tatis, Jr.? Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Oct. 2020 Because now more than ever is the time to relax, have fun, and change up your tried and trues. Jenna Rennert, Vogue, 12 June 2017 Verb
That’s true more broadly, as well, in part because of how the issue has been litigated. Alia Wong, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2017 True the Vote itself has struggled to keep up momentum from the Obama era. Mark Berman And David Weigel, chicagotribune.com, 30 June 2017 True the Vote itself has struggled to keep up momentum from the Obama era. Mark Berman, Washington Post, 30 June 2017 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English trewe, from Old English trēowe faithful; akin to Old High German gitriuwi faithful, Old Irish derb sure, and probably to Sanskrit dāruṇa hard, dāru wood — more at tree entry 1
First Known Use
Adjective
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a
Adverb
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a
Noun
1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb
1838, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing true
Kids Definition
true 1 of 4
adjective
ˈtrü
truer; truest
1
: agreeing with the facts : accurate
a true story
2
: completely loyal : faithful
You are a true friend.
3
: consistent or in accordance with
The movie is true to the book.
4
: properly so called : genuine
Mosses have no true seeds.
5
: placed or formed accurately : exact
true pitch
6
: being or holding by right : legitimate
the true owner
7
: fully realized or fulfilled
It's a dream come true.
true
2 of 4adverb
1
: in agreement with fact : truthfully
She speaks true.
2
: in an accurate manner : accurately
The arrow flew straight and true.
true
3 of 4noun
: the quality or state of being accurate (as in alignment)
The door is out of true.
true
4 of 4verb
trued; trueing also truing
: to bring to exactly correct condition as to place, position, or shape
true 1 of 2
adjective
1
as in real
being exactly as appears or as claimed his claim that he's the heir to the throne of Greece can't be true Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- real
- authentic
- genuine
- honest
- original
- actual
- unmistakable
- for real
- historical
- certified
- pure
- certifiable
- bona fide
- very
- right
- legitimate
- identifiable
- echt
- dinkum
- pukka
- accurate
- proven
- sure-enough
- undeniable
- legal
- unquestionable
- verifiable
- indisputable
- lawful
- irrefutable
- correct
- substantiated
- validated
- incontrovertible
- recognizable
- indubitable
- verified
- incontestable
- pucka
- undoubted
- veritable
- proper
- unadulterated
- unalloyed
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- false
- unreal
- bogus
- fake
- spurious
- phony
- pseudo
- sham
- counterfeit
- imitation
- mock
- supposititious
- artificial
- phoney
- unnatural
- synthetic
- factitious
- simulated
- unauthentic
- suppositious
- misleading
- deceptive
- manufactured
- fabricated
- delusive
- man-made
- concocted
- delusory
2
as in correct
being in agreement with the truth or a fact or a standard if that is true, then we can't get in without a key Synonyms & Similar Words
- correct
- accurate
- good
- exact
- proper
- so
- precise
- right
- logical
- valid
- perfect
- legitimate
- veracious
- dead-on
- spot-on
- bang on
- sound
- flawless
- on-target
- rigorous
- infallible
- faultless
- on target
- impeccable
- on the money
- strict
- inerrant
- stringent
- errorless
- letter-perfect
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- false
- wrong
- untrue
- incorrect
- inaccurate
- improper
- off
- imperfect
- defective
- inexact
- faulty
- flawed
3
as in actual
existing in fact and not merely as a possibility the true scope of this environmental problem is far greater than anyone imagined Synonyms & Similar Words
- real
- actual
- factual
- very
- genuine
- effective
- literal
- existent
- concrete
- proven
- final
- substantiated
- valid
- absolute
- de facto
- undeniable
- unquestionable
- indisputable
- irrefutable
- realistic
- validated
- authentic
- unmistakable
- incontrovertible
- objective
- demonstrated
- positive
- confirmed
- indubitable
- certain
- sure-enough
- incontestable
- convincing
- believable
- verified
- inescapable
- substantial
- tangible
- established
- authenticated
- verifiable
- attested
- authoritative
- bona fide
- real-life
- real-world
- palpable
- hard
- certified
- certifiable
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- possible
- ideal
- potential
- hypothetical
- theoretical
- nonexistent
- theoretic
- alleged
- platonic
- suppositional
- conjectural
- assumed
- supposed
- illusory
- legendary
- fictitious
- fictional
- fabled
- fanciful
- reputed
- inexistent
- envisioned
- imagined
- romantic
- imaginary
- chimerical
- unreal
- conceived
- visualized
- fake
- pictured
- symbolic
- envisaged
- invented
- pretend
- chimeric
- abstract
- fabricated
- virtual
- made-up
- make-believe
4
as in steadfast
firm in one's allegiance to someone or something he will be true to his word Synonyms & Similar Words
- steadfast
- loyal
- faithful
- good
- staunch
- devout
- dedicated
- devoted
- constant
- pious
- fast
- ardent
- steady
- true-blue
- reliable
- fervent
- passionate
- trustworthy
- dependable
- stanch
- solid
- responsible
- down-the-line
- intent
- unwavering
- dutiful
- resolute
- determined
- serious
- enthusiastic
- confirmed
- unfaltering
- trusty
- tried
- unhesitating
- tried-and-true
- sworn
- avid
- inveterate
- impassioned
- fervid
- dyed-in-the-wool
- gung ho
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- false
- untrue
- unfaithful
- disloyal
- perfidious
- treacherous
- faithless
- traitorous
- unreliable
- fickle
- irresponsible
- inconstant
- untrustworthy
- uncertain
- undependable
- recreant
- dubious
- hesitant
- faltering
- shaky
- dispassionate
- irresolute
- uninterested
- apathetic
- wavering
- vacillating
5
as in accurate
following an original exactly it's not a true reproduction of the painting because the original is much larger Synonyms & Similar Words
- accurate
- authentic
- exact
- faithful
- careful
- precise
- realistic
- real
- strict
- genuine
- right
- veracious
- meticulous
- authoritative
- conscientious
- lifelike
- bona fide
- scrupulous
- punctilious
- veridical
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- false
- inaccurate
- unfaithful
- loose
- inexact
- imprecise
- corrupted
- wrong
- untrue
- careless
- inauthentic
- erroneous
- incorrect
- corrupt
- slovenly
- slack
- invalid
- off
- untruthful
- unsound
- slipshod
6
as in genuine
free from any intent to deceive or impress others may our love for one another always be true Synonyms & Similar Words
- genuine
- unaffected
- honest
- real
- simple
- innocent
- naive
- sincere
- natural
- straightforward
- spontaneous
- guileless
- ingenuous
- unpretentious
- artless
- inexperienced
- unpretending
- naïve
- candid
- childlike
- unsophisticated
- trusting
- unworldly
- on the level
- trustful
- malleable
- direct
- open
- impressionable
- frank
- plain
- unstudied
- simpleminded
- persuadable
- persuasible
- straight
- gullible
- unforced
- openhearted
- free
- wide-eyed
- plainspoken
- susceptible
- unguarded
- dewy-eyed
- gee-whiz
- exploitable
- single-minded
- free-spoken
- unwary
- gullable
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- false
- critical
- assuming
- fake
- artificial
- dishonest
- affected
- skeptical
- phony
- suspicious
- artful
- cynical
- pretentious
- insincere
- wary
- phoney
- sophisticated
- worldly
- cosmopolitan
- mistrustful
- deceptive
- civilized
- hypocritical
- polished
- subtle
- guileful
- refined
- cultured
- cultivated
- deceitful
- dissimulating
- dissembling
- tricky
- manipulative
- cunning
- smooth
- crooked
- shrewd
- devious
- sharp
- wily
- slippery
- flattering
- sly
- crafty
- shifty
- foxy
- designing
- slick
- calculating
- worldly-wise
- underhanded
- scheming
- arch
- sycophantic
- unctuous
- feigned
- two-faced
- forced
- strained
- knavish
- canny
- double-dealing
- mealymouthed
7
as in historical
restricted to or based on fact that news story is completely true, for the station released a list of its sources to back it up Synonyms & Similar Words
- historical
- factual
- literal
- documentary
- real
- nonfictional
- objective
- genuine
- authentic
- reliable
- actual
- simple
- hard
- documented
- undeniable
- unquestionable
- matter-of-fact
- indisputable
- verifiable
- irrefutable
- right
- demonstrable
- provable
- incontrovertible
- bona fide
- established
- incontestable
- sustainable
- supportable
- certain
- plain
- undoubted
- confirmable
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- fictitious
- fictional
- theoretical
- hypothetical
- speculative
- theoretic
- fictionalized
- nonhistorical
- unhistorical
- apocryphal
- mythical
- legendary
- imaginary
- mythic
- fanciful
- fantastic
- undocumented
- exaggerated
- fantastical
- nonfactual
- fabulous
- invented
- unauthentic
- nondocumentary
- chimerical
- pretend
- imagined
- chimeric
- made-up
- unsupportable
- make-believe
- insupportable
- embroidered
8
as in reliable
worthy of one's trust a true friend when you need one Synonyms & Similar Words
- reliable
- good
- responsible
- safe
- solid
- sure
- steady
- loyal
- trustworthy
- dependable
- calculable
- secure
- strong
- faithful
- tried
- trusty
- constant
- trustable
- steadfast
- honest
- sincere
- devoted
- proven
- tried-and-true
- fast
- valid
- staunch
- sound
- telling
- infallible
- unquestionable
- effective
- true-blue
- confirmed
- bedrock
- unerring
- validated
- verified
- unimpeachable
- faultless
- attested
- firm
- stanch
- authenticated
- impeccable
- single-minded
- irreproachable
- blameless
- guiltless
- inerrant
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- false
- untrue
- uncertain
- unreliable
- unsafe
- untrustworthy
- doubtful
- unfaithful
- disloyal
- perfidious
- treacherous
- faithless
- traitorous
- fickle
- undependable
- uncertain
- problematic
- dishonest
- questionable
- inconstant
- dubious
- deceitful
- debatable
- suspect
- lying
- problematical
- untruthful
- dodgy
- mendacious
- disputable
- risky
- fishy
- hazardous
- shaky
- unsound
- recreant
- shady
- unconfirmed
- untried
- doubtable
9
as in typical
having or showing the qualities associated with the members of a particular group or kind paleontologists are still debating whether the fossil is that of a true dinosaur or a precursor Synonyms & Similar Words
- typical
- normal
- standard
- characteristic
- average
- usual
- archetypal
- regular
- representative
- common
- classic
- archetypical
- ordinary
- commonplace
- customary
- conventional
- everyday
- predictable
- predominant
- expected
- familiar
- vintage
- textbook
- unremarkable
- habitual
- preponderant
- workaday
- unexceptional
- routine
- wonted
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- unusual
- uncommon
- atypical
- abnormal
- remarkable
- anomalous
- unique
- extraordinary
- rare
- exceptional
- special
- deviant
- untypical
- singular
- noteworthy
- unexpected
- unknown
- aberrant
- distinctive
- unconventional
- peculiar
- unpredictable
- irregular
- strange
- especial
- infrequent
- unfamiliar
- funny
- eccentric
- rare
- odd
- unwonted
- idiosyncratic
- unorthodox
- curious
- nonrepresentative
- nontypical
- outlandish
- singular
- outrageous
- fantastic
- bizarre
- uncustomary
- quirky
- weird
- nonconformist
- wacky
- oddball
- fantastical
- wild
- unnatural
- offbeat
- funky
- freakish
- whacky
- erratic
- screwy
- freak
- kooky
- way-out
- outré
- kookie
- out-of-the-way
- far-out
10
as in honest
conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue a person of great integrity, he was the truest person I've ever met Synonyms & Similar Words
- honest
- honorable
- good
- nice
- ethical
- moral
- decent
- noble
- worthy
- right
- virtuous
- correct
- just
- all right
- respected
- righteous
- straight
- pure
- legitimate
- proper
- upright
- right-minded
- innocent
- exemplary
- commendable
- principled
- seemly
- creditable
- reputable
- esteemed
- irreproachable
- decorous
- immaculate
- incorruptible
- guiltless
- blameless
- upstanding
- unobjectionable
- clean
- high-minded
- angelic
- unerring
- scrupulous
- spotless
- uncorrupted
- moralistic
- sanctimonious
- incorrupt
- inoffensive
- menschy
- pharisaical
- rectitudinous
- incorrupted
- law-abiding
- angelical
- lily-white
- goody-goody
- self-righteous
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- wrong
- bad
- evil
- incorrect
- dishonest
- wicked
- sinful
- immoral
- dishonorable
- unethical
- improper
- indecent
- unbecoming
- unseemly
- perverted
- naughty
- depraved
- unrighteous
- degenerate
- mean
- unscrupulous
- corrupt
- libertine
- dissolute
- indecorous
- debased
- debauched
- unprincipled
- atrocious
- villainous
- low
- infamous
- vicious
- vile
- base
- objectionable
- nefarious
- evil-minded
- reprobate
- offensive
- blameworthy
- iniquitous
- fallen
- erring
- errant
true
2 of 2adverb
as in indeed
Synonyms & Similar Words
- indeed
- even
- truly
- nay
- yea
- verily
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- again
- conversely
- contrariwise
- contrarily
- if anything
- to the contrary
- on the contrary