liar
LEYE-uh
Liar (noun) means a person who tells lies, especially someone who does so often. Example: “Nobody trusted him after they caught him out as a liar again.”
noun
1
A person who tells lies, especially someone who does so often.
"Nobody trusted him after they caught him out as a liar again."
"Everyone in the office knew he was a liar."
"She called out the politician as a liar during the debate."
"He simply said, "We know, the Big Satan is a big liar.""
— Syed Ahmed Irshad Tirmazi, Profiles of Intelligence (1995)
How to use liar
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who doesn't tell the truth, especially habitually.
Common pairings
a pathological liar
call someone a liar
a compulsive liar
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Word forms
- Plural
- liars
Fill the gap
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Nobody trusted him after they caught him out as a _____ again.
Etymology
From Old English leogere ("liar, false witness"), from the same root as the verb "lie."
Synonyms
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perjurer
prevaricator
dissembler
fraud
trickster
phony
bluffer
contradictor
deceiver
fabricator
fabulist
falsifier
Related words
Rhymes for liar
See all rhymes for liar →Frequently asked questions
What does “liar” mean?
The word “liar” means a person who tells lies, especially someone who does so often. In plain terms, someone who doesn't tell the truth, especially habitually.
How do you pronounce “liar”?
“Liar” is pronounced LEYE-uh (/ˈlaɪ.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “liar” in a sentence?
Here is “liar” used in a sentence: “Everyone in the office knew he was a liar.”
What is another word for “liar”?
Words with a similar meaning to “liar” include bluffer, contradictor, deceiver, fabricator, fabulist and falsifier.
What part of speech is “liar”?
“Liar” is a noun.
Where does the word “liar” come from?
The word “liar” comes from Old English. From Old English leogere ("liar, false witness"), from the same root as the verb "lie.".
Is “liar” a common word?
“Liar” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between liar and lier?
A liar is a person who tells lies. Lier is a rare word for someone or something that lies down or lies in wait. If you mean a dishonest person, liar is always the correct spelling.
What is a pathological liar?
A pathological liar, also called a compulsive liar, is someone who lies habitually, often without any obvious reason or benefit. In everyday use the phrase describes a pattern of constant lying rather than a formal diagnosis.
What is a more formal word for liar?
Formal or literary alternatives include prevaricator, dissembler, fabricator, and falsifier. Perjurer is more specific: it means someone who lies under oath in a legal setting.
What is the difference between a liar and a fibber?
A fibber tells fibs, meaning small, trivial, and usually harmless lies, so the word is light-hearted and often used with children. Liar is stronger and more accusatory, suggesting serious or habitual dishonesty.
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