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
  • But will the changes be enough to restore the competitive integrity of the game once and for all?
    Sam Amick, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Since returning to the White House, his administration has aggressively challenged journalistic norms, and the president has continued attacking the integrity and competence of major news organizations.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That includes not wanting to help people through tactful honesty.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The Moon settles into your 4th House of Home, where honesty builds trust quickly.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Southwest Airlines is going red, white and blue in honor of America's 250th anniversary.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Earlier this month, the Read with Jenna founder interviewed her dad for a special History Talks segment in honor of the 250th anniversary of America's founding.
    Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This pair of novellas is about a middle-aged woman, the heroine’s sister, who comes to Tokyo intent on obtaining breast implants and a protagonist contemplating artificial insemination in a culture that doubts the procedure’s morality.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
  • One that imposes a particular morality or one that imposes civil order?
    Charles F. Miller, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 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
  • In that competition, loyalty is an expensive virtue.
    Wael Mahdi, semafor.com, 28 Apr. 2026
  • But patience can sometimes be a death knell in the playoffs, and Game 4 showed how a lack of it can be a virtue.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Floyd’s sincerity, the startling extremity of his concern for the comfort of others, snaps Clark out of his depressed, and depressing, complacency.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
  • But as the left grows increasingly distrustful of big tech companies, progressives aren’t convinced of the moguls’ sincerity.
    Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Thank goodness, too, because that would have been a day-ruiner.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Some were friends of Month Offliners who were there solely out of the goodness of their heart.
    Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Probity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probity. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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