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
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
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
9
: corrected for error
trueness
noun
1
: in accordance with fact or reality
2
a
: without deviation
the bullet flew straight and true
b
: without variation from type
breed true
trued; trueing also truing
: 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
Examples of true in a Sentence
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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Bob Beacham, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024
Two things that seem to be in opposition are, ironically, both true: Meals cost too much money, and restaurants should be charging more.
—Matthew Odam, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
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
Men's Health, 17 Feb. 2023
Though it's targeted toward men's facial hair, this dye kit is safe to use on your brows and comes in a wide variety of true-to-you shades.
—Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 8 Nov. 2022
See all Example Sentences for true 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
This is especially true if a maker has a particular project or range of projects in mind.
—Bob Beacham, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024
Two things that seem to be in opposition are, ironically, both true: Meals cost too much money, and restaurants should be charging more.
—Matthew Odam, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
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
Noun
Nisolo’s take stay trues to the classic slip-on design but makes the style versatile enough to be dressed up and down, for your run to the bodega or date night at your favorite restaurant's outdoor patio.
—Men's Health, 17 Feb. 2023
Though it's targeted toward men's facial hair, this dye kit is safe to use on your brows and comes in a wide variety of true-to-you shades.
—Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 8 Nov. 2022
See all Example Sentences for true
Dictionary Entries Near true
Cite this Entry
“True.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
true
1 of 4 adjective
truer; truest
1
: completely loyal : faithful
2
a
: agreeing with the facts : accurate
a true description
b
: consistent sense 2
true to character
3
: fully realized or fulfilled
dreams come true
4
: properly so called : genuine
lichens have no true stems
true love
5
: placed or formed accurately : exact
true pitch
6
: being or holding by right : legitimate
the true owner
true
2 of 4 noun
: the quality or state of being accurate (as in adjustment)
—used in the phrases in true and out of true
true
3 of 4 verb
trued; trueing also truing
: to bring to exactly correct condition as to place, position, or shape
true up a board
true
4 of 4 adverb1
: in agreement with fact : truthfully
2
: in an accurate manner : accurately
the arrow flew straight and true
3
: without variation from type
breed true
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