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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 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 Although this is the right move to convince the ECB that becoming lender of last resort will not open the door to moral hazard, since the pact is to bind all countries to fiscal probity, the austerity policies embedded in it are likely only to reinforce the growth crisis. Vivien A. Schmidt, Foreign Affairs, 28 Nov. 2011 But the arrival in the emerging world of financial globalization, with its demands of political and institutional stability, financial supervision, and monetary and fiscal probity, proved far more damaging. Alan M. Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2011 There are questions of law and questions of decency, and even those who skirt the outer limits of the law attempt to keep up an appearance of probity. Andrew Solomon, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for probity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probity
Noun
  • Gilbert leaders defended the integrity of the police chief and town attorney and said public allegations of a cover-up in addressing teen violence cases were silly and unfounded.
    Maritza Dominguez, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Then, the full moon in Capricorn on July 10 puts a spotlight on your work-life balance, forcing you to juggle your health and daily responsibilities with honesty, integrity and pragmatism.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 July 2025
  • There is honesty in his acting where the emotions that play across Superman/Clark Kent’s face and body come from deep within.
    Kirk Honeycutt, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • It’s been an honor to work alongside Craig Mazin to executive produce, direct and write on the last two seasons.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The Grand Award, the highest honor, is reserved for restaurants with exceptional wine programs featuring deep, vintage cellars and impeccable service.
    Seth Eli Barlow, Arkansas Online, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Set to hit shelves in February 2026, Maryk's novel adopts the time-travel fiction of The Midnight Library and The Book of Doors while raising major questions about mortality, morality and more.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 26 June 2025
  • However, Harry Potter is not a straightforward morality tale about technology.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • High-net-worth individuals, particularly business owners, professionals and investors, often face elevated exposure to legal risk simply by virtue of their visibility and success.
    Blake Harris, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Just by virtue of being president, Trump has bolstered this belief of mine.
    Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Experts point out that if Iran shows sincerity in negotiations and is willing to reach a substantive agreement to limit its nuclear program in the future, the situation in the Middle East may ease.
    , CNBC, 25 June 2025
  • Listening with sincerity is one of the most important skills in philanthropy work.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Many of the grants fund cost-effective and life-saving information access efforts that educate ordinary North Koreans on the goodness of the U.S. and the truth about the outside world.
    Olivia Enos, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • With all of these dirty dishes, thank goodness for the convenience of dishwashers.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • What are your compliance and reliability requirements?
    Alex Gudilko, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • For reasons including product safety and reliability, battery technology discoveries take years to reach the marketplace.
    Rick Barrett, jsonline.com, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Probity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probity. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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