What does veraciousness mean?
Veraciousness is the noun form of “veracious” and denotes a person’s quality of being truthful, honest, and trustworthy. It is especially associated with statements that are presented as facts, such as testimony, historical accounts, or journalistic reporting. The word carries a formal, approving tone and suggests more than simply avoiding obvious lies: it can imply firmness, moral integrity, and a willingness to speak accurately regardless of convenience. Veraciousness is not used frequently in ordinary conversation, where “truthfulness” is usually clearer and more natural, but it is valuable in literary, legal, and analytical contexts. It should not be confused with “veracity,” which can refer directly to the truthfulness or accuracy of a particular statement rather than the general character of someone who tells the truth. Although a plural can be formed, the noun is ordinarily treated as uncountable.
nounThe quality or character of being veracious: truthfulness, honesty, and trustworthiness.
- The quality of being truthful, honest, and trustworthy.
"The witness's steady veraciousness reassured everyone listening to the testimony."
"The witness's veraciousness strengthened the credibility of the investigation."
"Her veraciousness, rare in partisan debate, made her account especially persuasive."
The noun is normally uncountable. The plural is grammatically possible but rare and is more likely to occur in abstract or analytical writing.
"The study contrasts the veraciousnesses of several witnesses."
In a culture of hot takes, veraciousness is the rarer—and more durable—commitment to telling the truth.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
How veraciousness is actually used
This is a formal and relatively uncommon noun. It is most natural in discussion of testimony, historical sources, journalism, and moral character; everyday speech usually favors “truthfulness” or “honesty.” It is normally used as an uncountable noun.
Easily confused with veraciousness
Veraciousness describes a quality or character, whereas veracity more often refers to the truthfulness or accuracy of a particular statement or account.