White lie Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

: a lie about a small or unimportant matter that someone tells to avoid hurting another person He told a (little) white lie as his excuse for missing the party.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web This may be a little white lie; however, it’s made to appease your boss and HR, and help keep the peace. — Jack Kelly, Forbes, 19 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'white lie.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near white lie

Cite this Entry

“White lie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20lie. Accessed 7 Jun. 2023.

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Last Updated: 1 May 2023 - Updated example sentences

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Merriam-Webster unabridged
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20lie