Definition of honestynext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun honesty contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of honesty are honor, integrity, and probity. While all these words mean "uprightness of character or action," honesty implies a refusal to lie, steal, or deceive in any way.

When is honor a more appropriate choice than honesty?

While the synonyms honor and honesty are close in meaning, honor suggests an active or anxious regard for the standards of one's profession, calling, or position.

When would integrity be a good substitute for honesty?

The meanings of integrity and honesty largely overlap; however, integrity implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility to a degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility, or pledge.

When could probity be used to replace honesty?

While in some cases nearly identical to honesty, probity implies tried and proven honesty or integrity.

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 honesty This is why authenticity and honesty matter more than ever. Becca Brazil, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2026 What Mager is showing here is the difference between kids and adults, the openness and willingness to be bold and confront things head on with matter-of-fact honesty in a world that is being screwed up by their elders and those in charge. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2026 Connection creates psychological safety where honesty and vulnerability can flourish. Crystal Cene, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026 What set it apart was the honesty. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for honesty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honesty
Noun
  • Our students, families, and taxpayers deserve leaders who put the best interests of the community first, not individuals who appear focused on protecting one another instead of protecting the integrity of our school system.
    Ashley Paul, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    Erick Taylor, Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In 2022, Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, was killed in custody after being arrested by the morality police for improperly wearing her hijab.
    Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 23 Jan. 2026
  • During the 2022-23 Woman, Life, Freedom protests, sparked by the death of the young Iranian woman Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the morality police, Pahlavi called for rallies against the Iranian government in the United States, Canada and other countries.
    Eric Lob, The Conversation, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • An honor council, comprised of administrators, teachers, and members of the student government, would sit in judgment on cases of alleged cheating.
    Nell Freudenberger, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Although the name and separate unit were more likely signs of antisemitism than respect, the group wore the distinction as a badge of honor, Grymes said.
    Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Know that conversations deserve deep sincerity.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2026
  • Part of what comes to me, Roxana, is my sincerity and my earnestness.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • Maybe Albro would raise concerns that the police weren’t doing enough to protect young women’s virtues, or Matthews would criticize the lack of a similar dragnet to find the killer of Mary Tate.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The author’s work makes an excellent case that literature can explore virtue—even if his latest novel reveals its pitfalls.
    Julius Taranto, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt brushed off those comments as an example of the president’s frankness.
    Brett Samuels, The Hill, 8 Dec. 2025
  • Their frankness and loyalty are also notable when the call is in.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 23 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The goal is to validate performance, safety, and reliability in real-world driving conditions ahead of commercial launch.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The company prides itself on its low prices, reliability, convenience, and superior customer service, according to its website.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 7 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Honesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honesty. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on honesty

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