barefaced liar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barefaced liar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who lies shamelessly or without any attempt to hide their dishonesty. Example: "Despite being caught in multiple lies, he continued to act like a barefaced liar, showing no remorse for his actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The voters were invited to choose between a barefaced liar and a decent little man.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

MARION COTILLARD was barefaced and sleepy eyed.

The New York Times

That sale was a scandalous piece of barefaced robbery.

The Guardian

Mr. Wagner called Mr. Schlingensief's comments "barefaced cheek".

The New York Times

"The word is effronte, and it means barefaced or shameless".

The Guardian

Learn more about the word "barefaced" and see usage examples across a range of subjects on the Vocabulary dictionary.

The New York Times

It was a barefaced lie.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a barefaced lie.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But its prompt and barefaced support of Mr Mugabe has put paid to any idea of impartiality.

The Economist

He's a liar".

The Economist

Liar! Tattletale!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "barefaced liar", ensure the context emphasizes not only the act of lying but also the brazen and shameless nature of the deception. This phrase carries a strong connotation of audacity and lack of remorse.

Common error

Avoid using "barefaced liar" to describe minor or insignificant lies. The term implies a significant and audacious act of deception, so using it for trivial falsehoods weakens its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barefaced liar" functions as a noun phrase where "barefaced" is an adjective modifying the noun "liar". It serves to describe someone who lies openly and shamelessly. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound and appropriate for describing someone's character.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown/unmatched sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "barefaced liar" describes someone who lies openly and shamelessly. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct, although relatively rare in occurrence. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it is generally considered to have a neutral to informal register. Use of "barefaced liar" signals strong disapproval due to the brazen and audacious nature of the lie. Alternatives include "shameless liar" and "blatant liar".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shameless liar

Emphasizes the lack of shame or embarrassment associated with lying.

blatant liar

Focuses on the obvious and unconcealed nature of the lie.

outright liar

Highlights the direct and unambiguous nature of the lie.

bold-faced liar

Similar to 'barefaced', suggesting a brazen and audacious liar.

arrant liar

Implies a notorious or confirmed liar.

consummate liar

Describes someone who is highly skilled or accomplished at lying.

habitual liar

Indicates a pattern or tendency to lie frequently.

pathological liar

Suggests a psychological condition where lying is compulsive.

deceitful person

A more general term for someone who is prone to deception.

untruthful individual

A formal and less accusatory way to describe someone who lies.

FAQs

What does "barefaced liar" mean?

A "barefaced liar" is someone who lies shamelessly and openly, without any attempt to hide their deceit or show remorse. The term emphasizes the brazen and audacious nature of the lie.

What can I say instead of "barefaced liar"?

You can use alternatives like "shameless liar", "blatant liar", or "bold-faced liar" depending on the context.

How do I use "barefaced liar" in a sentence?

You can say, "He is a "barefaced liar" because he denies all accusations even with clear evidence", or "The politician was exposed as a "barefaced liar" after the investigation revealed his fraudulent activities".

Is "barefaced liar" a formal or informal expression?

"Barefaced liar" is generally considered an informal expression, but it can be used in news and media when describing a situation that warrants such strong language. It's best to avoid using it in formal academic writing.