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
  • There are issues, too, if the integrity of the game can’t be trusted.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Choose honesty, and let support flow in.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Now, because of his imprudent and inaccurate sloganeering, even with a majority of his appointees sitting on the board, the mayor faces the prospect of a legal and political fiasco that implicates the honesty of his most prominent promise to his constituents.
    Christian Browne, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Considered the highest honor for a career in film, the AFI Life Achievement Award recognizes talent that has advanced the cinematic arts, demonstrated longevity and been acknowledged by scholars, critics, peers and audiences alike.
    Arushi Jacob, Variety, 31 Mar. 2026
  • This refresh honors the sandwich's legacy while delivering the bold, modern flavor our fans crave.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • One of those humanists says Holland’s belief that Western morality is based on Christianity is not only wrong but also dangerous.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
  • De La Rosa argues that removing morality and judgment from money decisions allows people to make clearer, healthier choices.
    Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 1 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
  • Arthur Brooks, in particular, has made a career of elevating his noncommittal waffling into a warped kind of virtue.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Huckleberry Finn provided Jim with courage, dignity, and virtue.
    Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Good Friday is a day to recognize the brutality of the Roman practice of crucifying criminals and to reflect with sincerity on the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for the world.
    Nicole Russell, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • And Sonny’s sincerity is, in its way, the central engine of the action.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • There’s a lot to be said for making a false show of goodness.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Floyd’s innate goodness radiates through Harbour’s performance.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Probity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probity. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

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