I took note, and I agree. The problem is that (as a non-native English speaker), I had to look the word up. I'm concerned that this nuance could escape people,

I took note, and I agree. The problem is that (as a non-native English speaker), I had to look the word up. I'm concerned that this nuance could escape people, even when they know what the word stands for. "Making things up" is precise but wordy. "Lying" is good enough, obvious, and concise.