integrity

noun in·teg·ri·ty \ in-ˈte-grə-tē \

|Updated on: 9 Jul 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: integrity in a Sentence

Definition of integrity

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

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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 of integrity from the Web

The integrity of that list has been extremely important to Trump’s relationship with the conservative movement and particularly with conservative Christian leaders.

— ed kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "A Look at Trump’s Shortlist For Replacing Anthony Kennedy," 3 July 2018
The Aggie core values are respect, leadership, integrity, loyalty, excellence and selfless service and Mike was all that.

— Sun-Sentinel.com, "Deaths in South Florida: 7/1," 1 July 2018
The United States Supreme Court in Kyles versus Whitley said the integrity of the investigation is always at issue and must always be at issue in the case.

— Fox News, "Gorka: Suddenly the left care about minorities and children?," 21 June 2018
The integrity of the ballot counting process is critical to ensure that all votes are accurately counted.

— diana lambert and darrell smith, sacbee, "Sacramento County has 200,000-plus votes to count, giving some candidates sliver of hope," 6 June 2018
In a profession where personal integrity is sacrosanct, forcing people to publicly deny their own identity could lead only to trouble.

— garrett m. graff, WIRED, "How a Former US Spy Chief Became Trump’s Fiercest Critic," 30 May 2018
Importantly, recognize that integrity is not unique to any one culture.

— katie reilly, Time, "Here Are 10 of the Best Pieces of Advice From 2018 Commencement Speakers," 24 May 2018
Kenneth Watkins, who has been placed on administrative leave to preserve the integrity the investigation.

— steve helling, PEOPLE.com, "Authorities Look into 20-Year-Old Lover After Pa. Teacher's Unsolved Mother's Day Slaying," 22 May 2018
Regardless of the particulars of any future sports betting law, the integrity of our game remains our highest priority.

— matt pepin, BostonGlobe.com, "Here’s how sports leagues have reacted to possibility of legal sports gambling," 14 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'integrity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of integrity

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

integrity Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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.