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 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 The dilemma recalls Otto Preminger’s Whirlpool and Where the Sidewalk Ends, post-WWII films about personal probity but without the melodramatic hype that cheapened both. Armond White, National Review, 22 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for probity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probity
Noun
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Rather, the luxurious material softens and molds to your feet over time without losing its structural integrity.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Playing the title role of a linguistics professor who faces changes and prepares her family for what's to come as the disease takes hold, Moore navigates the character arc with honesty and heart-tugging empathy.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Being a good role model shows your child how to behave with kindness, honesty, and respect.
    Barrie Gillies, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The presidential library also held its annual day of service in the first lady’s honor, with a community service fair focusing on causes championed by Pat Nixon.
    Jeff Gritchen, Oc Register, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The senior was even more delighted to add a championship hat to her new collection after winning the Big East Tournament, and the team gave her the honor of placing the logo sticker on the NCAA Tournament ticket poster that officially punched UConn’s bid.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Those of us who are worried about the morality of our fellow citizens won't restore this nation's better angels by holding on to our cynicism.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Putting aside morality and international law for a second, how much of what is being done by the Israeli government is in line with Israeli domestic law?
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 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
  • The ideology of American exceptionalism set in place the myth that the United States was born free and uniquely destined to spread liberty and democracy, acting solely out of virtue.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Mann might have argued that there is not only a moral but also an artistic virtue in being outwardly boring and banal.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Her stylistic choices are warm, unique, and grounded in sincerity.
    Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
  • While fashion has a long history of subverting religious motifs, Spradlin said the colors reflect a shift to sincerity, adding that Gen Z and millennials are outpacing older cohorts in church attendance.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • My first thought was, at least have this plant leave through the house, for goodness sake, but the second was a certain disappointment at some blown authenticity.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
  • My first thought was, at least have this plant leave through the house, for goodness sake.
    Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Probity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probity. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

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