lie detectors

noun

plural of lie detector
as in polygraphs
an instrument for detecting physical signs of the tension that goes with lying hooked the suspect up to a lie detector before interrogating him about the robbery

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of lie detectors Later, after clearing the Silo 1 control room, Victor both chastises Camille for her failures and grudgingly praises her for lying so convincingly that his biometric lie detectors couldn’t detect it. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026 The building is outfitted with advanced technology, including three interview rooms with lie detectors that only use retina movement to base its findings. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lie detectors
polygraphs
Noun
  • Utilizing polygraphs, cardiographs, and encephalographs, scientists have proven a complex plant intelligence that determines levels of stress and emotions, as well as ESP (extrasensory perception) and fear of dying.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Carla’s boyfriend and family members were ruled out after passing polygraphs, according to Plautz.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
Definition of polygraphs

Browse Nearby Words

lie detector
lie detectors
lie (down)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lie detectors.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lie%20detectors. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All