integrity

noun

in·​teg·​ri·​ty in-ˈte-grə-tē How to pronounce integrity (audio)
1
: firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility
2
: an unimpaired condition : soundness
3
: the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness
Choose the Right Synonym for integrity

honesty, honor, integrity, probity mean uprightness of character or action.

honesty implies a refusal to lie, steal, or deceive in any way.

honor suggests an active or anxious regard for the standards of one's profession, calling, or position.

integrity implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility to a degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility, or pledge.

probity implies tried and proven honesty or integrity.

Examples of integrity in a Sentence

Many were tempted by a piece of the equity action and compromised their integrity. Bruce Nussbaum, Business Week, 28 Jan. 2002
By September, Gorbachev had told his aides that with Eastern Europe and Germany lost, the task was to defend the integrity of the Soviet Union itself. Condoleezza Rice, Newsweek, 22 Nov. 1999
But it is stunning to hear self-appointed watchdogs of public integrity shrug their shoulders at "standard" prosecutorial practice … Wendy Kaminer, New York Times Book Review, 22 Mar. 1998
… a hundred-and-one-year-old Jewish philanthropist … donated two and a quarter million dollars to the Archdiocese to purchase the property and preserve the integrity of the landmark. Brendan Gill, New Yorker, 10 June 1991
He's a man of the highest integrity. I admire her artistic integrity. She had the integrity to refuse to compromise on matters of principle. Without music, the film loses its integrity. They are trying to preserve the cultural integrity of the community. The earthquake may have damaged the building's structural integrity.
Recent Examples on the Web The integrity of the mail Part of the reason that Gray is facing such a steep penalty is that he was prosecuted federally. The Enquirer, 5 Mar. 2024 The real heroes, however, were the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires that were x-rayed before fitment to ensure perfect structural integrity. Sean Evans, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2024 Giacalone has questioned the integrity of the crime scene during the early stages of the investigation, the eventual release of the scene and personal effects inside the home, and the destruction of the building. Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 4 Mar. 2024 CPAs are essential in maintaining the financial integrity of businesses and organizations. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2024 This maintains that each cultivation not only affords as many ripe coffee cherries as possible, but also allows the nutrient-rich volcanic soil to retain its integrity for harvests to come. Chelsea Davis, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 In addition, Arborio rice maintains its integrity during cooking and stirring, and the result is a creamy sauce with al dente grains. Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 29 Feb. 2024 Law-enforcement agencies’ concerns include protecting the integrity of criminal investigations related to a fatal encounter that involves sensitive intelligence, and situations where revealing information such as the condition of a loved one might prompt silence that stalls an investigation. Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2024 The report’s findings raise questions about how the chatbots’ makers are complying with their own pledges to promote information integrity this presidential election year. Garance Burke, Fortune, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'integrity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English integrite, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French integrité, from Latin integritat-, integritas, from integr-, integer entire

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of integrity was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near integrity

Cite this Entry

“Integrity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/integrity. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

integrity

noun
in·​teg·​ri·​ty in-ˈteg-rət-ē How to pronounce integrity (audio)
1
: the condition of being free from damage or defect
2
: total honesty and sincerity
3
: the quality or state of being complete or undivided

Medical Definition

integrity

noun
in·​teg·​ri·​ty in-ˈteg-rət-ē How to pronounce integrity (audio)
plural integrities
: an unimpaired condition
personality function depends greatly upon the integrity of brain functionDiagnostic & Statistical Manual

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