Synonyms of 'above board'
adjective
frank
If someone is frank, they state or express things in an open and honest way.
They had a frank discussion about the issue.
genuine
Genuine is used to describe people and things that are exactly what they appear to be, and are not false or an imitation.
They are convinced the painting is genuine.
proper
You use proper to describe things that you consider to be real and satisfactory rather than inadequate in some way.
Two out of five people do not have a proper job.
legitimate
Something that is legitimate is acceptable according to the law.
They have demanded the restoration of the legitimate government.
straightforward
If you describe a person or their behaviour as straightforward, you approve of them because they are honest and direct, and do not try to hide their feelings.
I was impressed by his straightforward intelligent manner.
authentic
An authentic piece of information or account of something is reliable and accurate.
authentic details about the birth of the organization
open
If you describe a person or their character as open, you mean they are honest and do not want or try to hide anything or to deceive anyone.
She has an open, trusting nature.
true
If you are true to someone, you remain committed and loyal to them. If you are true to an idea or promise, you remain committed to it and continue to act according to it.
He was always true to his wife.
upright
You can describe people as upright when they are careful to follow acceptable rules of behaviour and behave in a moral way.
a very upright, trustworthy man
truthful
If a person or their comments are truthful, they are honest and do not tell any lies.
We are all fairly truthful about our personal lives.
forthright
If you describe someone as forthright, you admire them because they show clearly and strongly what they think and feel.
He was known for his forthright manner.
upfront (informal)
trustworthy
A trustworthy person is reliable, responsible, and can be trusted completely.
He is a trustworthy, level-headed teacher.
on the level
If you say that someone or something is on the level, you mean that they are sincere or honest, and are not attempting to deceive people.
(informal) There were moments where you wondered if anyone was on the level.
bona fide
If something or someone is bona fide, they are genuine or real.
We are happy to donate to bona fide charitable causes.
dinkum
genuine or right
(Australian , New Zealand , informal) He was a fair dinkum bloke with no pretensions.
fair and square
guileless
If you describe someone as guileless, you mean that they behave openly and truthfully and do not try to deceive people.
She was so guileless that he had no option but to believe her.
on the up and up
honest to goodness
Opposites
adverb
legitimately
legally
uprightly
openly
If you do something openly, you do it without hiding any facts or hiding your feelings.
We can now talk openly about AIDS.
cleanly
overtly
in good faith
If you do something in good faith, you seriously believe that what you are doing is right, honest, or legal, even though this may not be the case.
This report was published in good faith.
ethically
truthfully
candidly
lawfully
honourably
straightforwardly
forthrightly
by fair means
with clean hands
without guile
veraciously
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Additional synonyms
authentic
An authentic piece of information or account of something is reliable and accurate.
authentic details about the birth of the organization
simon-pure (rare)
Source
Thesaurus for above board from the
Collins English Thesaurus
Dictionary definition
An arrangement or deal that is above board is legal and is being carried out honestly and openly.
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