Meaning & use
Telltale
Last updated
Revealing or indicating something, especially something that was meant to be hidden or secret.
See it in a sentence
The telltale smell of smoke gave away his hidden cigarette habit.
A telltale blush crossed her face when his name was mentioned.
A note on using this word
Originally a noun for a person who reveals secrets (a "tattletale"), it's now used mainly as an adjective.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
concealing
Another way to use it
2. noun
A person who reports others' wrongdoing or reveals secrets.
The other children called her a telltale for reporting the broken window.
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