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Synonyms

belie

American  
[bih-lahy] / bɪˈlaɪ /

verb (used with object)

belied, belying
  1. to show to be false; contradict.

    His trembling hands belied his calm voice.

    Synonyms:
    gainsay, confute, repudiate, disprove, refute
    Antonyms:
    support, verify, substantiate, confirm, prove
  2. to misrepresent.

    The newspaper belied the facts.

  3. to act unworthily according to the standards of (a tradition, one's ancestry, one's faith, etc.).

  4. Archaic. to lie about; slander.


belie British  
/ bɪˈlaɪ /

verb

  1. to show to be untrue; contradict

  2. to misrepresent; disguise the nature of

    the report belied the real extent of the damage

  3. to fail to justify; disappoint

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See misrepresent.

Other Word Forms

  • belier noun

Etymology

Origin of belie

First recorded before 1000; Middle English belyen, Old English belēogan; be-, lie 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The aforementioned film inspired by his life shows what it’s like to live with involuntary vocal tics that belie your own beliefs or intentions.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

Those who have worked with Barry Pollack say the Washington-based trial lawyer’s mild-mannered demeanor and relatively low public profile belie an unusual tenacity in fighting even for unpopular clients.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

The lack of official U.S. government data doesn’t belie what’s happening.

From Barron's • Oct. 17, 2025

"Outward appearance shouldn't belie what lies beneath," Mr Marchant said.

From BBC • Jul. 1, 2025

I make myself as small as possible, as if my size could belie our closeness.

From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon