b : an untrue or inaccurate statement that may or may not be believed true by the speaker or writer the lies we tell ourselves to feel better historical records containing numerous lies. 2 : something that misleads or deceives His show of remorse was a lie.

Some common synonyms of lie are equivocate, fib, palter, and prevaricate. While all these words mean "to tell an untruth," lie is the blunt term, imputing dishonesty. When could equivocate be used to replace lie? The words equivocate and lie are synonyms, but do differ in nuance.