Definition of probitynext
1
2
3

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 McKinley was a man whose probity, caution, and incrementalism shrouded his analytical adroitness and tactical boldness. Robert W. Merry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for probity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probity
Noun
  • There will be more local politicians who fail the integrity test and become treasonous to their constituents.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • The organization has guided enough candidates through multiple cycles to approach these situations with both honesty and genuine optimism, identifying specifically what needs to change and executing adjustments with the same rigor applied to initial preparation.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 June 2026
  • Thomas Tuchel’s explanation for not taking Cole Palmer to the World Cup was brutal in its honesty.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Not to be outshined, Casio G-Shock’s Grogu model branded as the Baby-G comes in a distinctive bright neon-green hue in honor of Din Djarin’s little Force-wielding apprentice.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 2 June 2026
  • None of this felt realistic, especially not Colman Domingo’s sawed-off-shotgun-wielding Ali shooting up Alamo’s club in his mentee Rue’s honor, shattering a mask of poise that had defined his character (like the whiplash of Khaleesi’s end of Game of Thrones rogue era).
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Hollywood had, for decades, been governed by the restrictive Hays Code, which attempted to push moviemaking into Puritan morality.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 1 June 2026
  • Regulating morality becomes the norm and is futile when trying to regulate each individual, business, community group in a society.
    Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 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
  • Through its characters, the book stages an argument about the virtues of various types of maps—those that are measured, those that are recollected, those that are dreamed.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
  • In a world of volatility, interdependence, and unintended consequences, Humility is not a soft virtue.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • What is necessary for a successful religious accommodation request is sincerity, Paul told USA TODAY.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 29 May 2026
  • While many fans have questioned the sincerity of the effort that A’s owner John Fisher and MLB made to keep the A’s in Oakland, MLB officials also grew frustrated by the process.
    Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • His bad-boy swagger externally obfuscates his heart of gold, but his goodness and morality are apparent.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
  • Even more goodness to check out!
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 29 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Probity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probity. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on probity

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster