white lie

noun

: 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 Turns out, in nine-time Oscar nominee Cooper’s case, that little white lie seems to have paid off. —

Dan Heching, CNN, 30 June 2023 In the end, Love Again hinges on a deception of vintage rom-com proportions, less little white lie than giant red flag. —

A.a. Dowd, Chron, 5 May 2023 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.