Definition of probitynext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun probity contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of probity are honesty, honor, and integrity. While all these words mean "uprightness of character or action," probity implies tried and proven honesty or integrity.

When might honesty be a better fit than probity?

The words honesty and probity can be used in similar contexts, but honesty implies a refusal to lie, steal, or deceive in any way.

When is it sensible to use honor instead of probity?

The words honor and probity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, honor suggests an active or anxious regard for the standards of one's profession, calling, or position.

When could integrity be used to replace probity?

In some situations, the words integrity and probity are roughly equivalent. However, integrity implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility to a degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility, or pledge.

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of probity McKinley was a man whose probity, caution, and incrementalism shrouded his analytical adroitness and tactical boldness. Robert W. Merry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025 As for the legal probity of targeting such a change at one country—China—this would hardly be unprecedented. Alex Raskolnikov, Foreign Affairs, 19 Feb. 2025 The legal and political crisis encompasses both the Justice Department and New York’s City Hall, calling into question Mr. Adams’s future as well as the independence and probity of federal prosecutions. Benjamin Weiser, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025 Carter’s outsider status, coupled with his evident probity, provided a tonic to an electorate weary of Watergate and Richard Nixon’s endless prevarications. Randall Balmer, The Mercury News, 2 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for probity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probity
Noun
  • What is too often missing is the reminder that integrity isn’t new either.
    David Mica, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026
  • To protect the integrity of the investigative process, the center does not comment on specific investigations, spokesperson Allyson Neville said.
    Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • But others appreciated and praised her honesty.
    Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
  • June 21 – July 22 Cancer, your values ask for brave honesty.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Horvath earned the honor after setting eight world records as a mountain climber.
    Zuri Primos June 16, Kansas City Star, 16 June 2026
  • Would have been an honor to write on that.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Specifically saying these white, thin, traditionally feminine bodies are not just aspirational but symbols of morality, tradition, purity.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026
  • One story challenges the notion that contact with another species is likely to lead to conflict, instead tying the evolution of human morality to a symbiotic relationship with an alien race.
    Alexandra Oliva, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • There is an emphatic truthfulness to the story and the performances that anchor it, which is both refreshing and innovative.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Some people thought the character was too much, but Danica managed to make her just that without losing the truthfulness, and the ending wouldn’t have worked without that.
    Annika Pham, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Honeywell is following in the footsteps of 3M, Danaher, GE, and United Technologies — companies that once preached the virtues of a diversified portfolio but have concluded that value now comes from focus.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 12 June 2026
  • Civic virtue, domestic violence and Raymond Berry, in readers’ eyes.
    Letters to the Editor, Washington Post, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • There was such calm, quiet sincerity on his part.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026
  • Darry Sragow, a veteran Democratic strategist who advised Checchi, said Steyer’s focus on such causes had the potential to be meaningful to voters who are often skeptical about the sincerity and motives of rich candidates.
    Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Even more goodness to check out!
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 12 June 2026
  • There’s more than one way to eat a burger, and thank goodness for that.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 9 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Probity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probity. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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