Lier or liar | Meaning, Correct Spelling & Examples

Liar is the correct spelling when referring to someone who is deceitful or untruthful (e.g., “Geez, you’re such a liar!”). More often than not, lier is an incorrect spelling of this word. Although technically a real, albeit rare, word, “lier” refers to someone or something in a horizontal position (e.g., “He’s lying down, so he’s technically a lier”).

“Lier” and “liar” are both derived from the verb “lie.” However, “lier” is associated with the meaning “to be or put oneself in a reclined position on a surface,” while “liar” is associated with the meaning “to make a dishonest statement.”

Examples: Lier and liar in a sentence
Years of playing hide and seek helped him become a good lier, remaining still and silent the longest.

We didn’t trust him because he was a known liar.

I was called a liar after I mistakenly said there was no more cake when there was.

He said that the last thing he wants to be known as is a liar.

Lier meaning

“Lier” is an uncommon noun that refers to someone or something lying in a reclined position, sometimes waiting to ambush. It’s so rare that some dictionaries don’t even include it, and many spell checkers mark it as incorrect.

Examples: Lier in a sentence
With the skill of an expert lier, the cheetah hid in the tall grass, observing everything without being seen.

The lier on the park bench remained motionless, enjoying the cool breeze and watching the world go by.

As a frequent lier on the beach, I always bring a good book with me.

To reiterate, the use of this word is exceedingly rare, making it unlikely to be encountered regularly. You are more likely to come across it as a misspelling of the word “liar.”

Examples: Lier vs liar in a sentence
She asked for forgiveness for calling me a liar even though I was being honest.
She asked for forgiveness for calling me a lier even though I was being honest.

Liar meaning

“Liar” is a noun that refers to a person who tells lies or is habitually dishonest. For example, someone who constantly deceives others about how much work they did on a group project is a liar.

Examples: Liar in a sentence
When I was younger, my brothers made me cry because they kept calling me a liar.

She explained that she used to be a liar but stopped once she learned how to communicate her thoughts better.

The last thing I’d ever want to be known as is a liar.

Frequently asked questions about lier or liar

What’s another word for liar?

Another word for “liar” is “deceiver” (e.g., “You’ve always been a deceiver”).

There are a few other colloquial terms that have similar meanings to “liar,” including:

  • Bluffer
  • Faker
  • Fibber
  • Phony
  • Swindler

QuillBot can help you find synonyms for words like “liar” and automatically rewrite sentences.

What does lair mean?

“Lair,” which is spelled similarly to “liar,” is a noun that refers to the resting place of a wild animal (e.g., “We found the coyote hiding in a lair”) but can also refer to someone’s secret hiding spot (e.g., “I used to imagine that my room was Batman’s lair”).

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Gina Rancaño, BA

Gina holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, as well as a certificate in professional and public writing from Florida International University. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading.