English vocabulary · C2
Mendacious
/menˈdeɪ.ʃəs/ · adj.
A mendacious person says things that are not true on purpose. The aim is to make you believe a false story, not share mistakes.
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Example sentences
- A mendacious seller hid cracks.
- Mendacious claims cost my job.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- mendax — lying (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- DISHONEST — not telling the truth (Hiding the truth)
- DECEITFUL — trying to make you believe lies (Trying to fool)
- UNTRUTHFUL — not saying what is true (Saying false things)
Similar words
- dishonest
- deceitful
- untruthful
- false
- lying
Lesson notes
A mendacious person says things that are not true on purpose. The aim is to make you believe a false story, not share mistakes.
Related: dishonest, deceitful, untruthful. Use mendacious when lies are planned.
A mendacious seller hid cracks. Mendacious claims cost my job.
From Latin. mendax- means lying. Mendacious words are lying made to seem like the plain truth.