Answer: whitelie

AnswerCrossword Clue
WHITELIE

"Little" falsehood

WHITELIE

Benign fiction

WHITELIE

"The dog ate my homework," e.g.

WHITELIE
Harmless distortion
WHITELIE
"You don't look a day over 29," probably
WHITELIEDiplomatic deception
WHITELIETactful deception
WHITELIE"I never would have guessed it was a toupee," maybe
WHITELIEOne form of polite excuse.
WHITELIEFib.
WHITELIEPolite prevarication.
WHITELIEFib
WHITELIEOfay's fib
WHITELIE"No, it doesn't make you look fat," maybe
WHITELIE"Oh yes, I love that dress," maybe
WHITELIETinge of perjury?
WHITELIESeemingly harmless distortion
WHITELIEGood fiction?