integrity

noun

in·teg·ri·ty in-ˈte-grə-tē

Synonyms of integrity next

: firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility

: an unimpaired condition : soundness

: the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness

Choose the Right Synonym for integrity

honesty, honor, integrity, probity mean uprightness of character or action.

honesty implies a refusal to lie, steal, or deceive in any way.

honor suggests an active or anxious regard for the standards of one's profession, calling, or position.

integrity implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility to a degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility, or pledge.

probity implies tried and proven honesty or integrity.

Example Sentences

Many were tempted by a piece of the equity action and compromised their integrity. —

Bruce Nussbaum, Business Week, 28 Jan. 2002

By September, Gorbachev had told his aides that with Eastern Europe and Germany lost, the task was to defend the integrity of the Soviet Union itself. —

Condoleezza Rice, Newsweek, 22 Nov. 1999

But it is stunning to hear self-appointed watchdogs of public integrity shrug their shoulders at "standard" prosecutorial practice … —

Wendy Kaminer, New York Times Book Review, 22 Mar. 1998

… a hundred-and-one-year-old Jewish philanthropist … donated two and a quarter million dollars to the Archdiocese to purchase the property and preserve the integrity of the landmark. —

Brendan Gill, New Yorker, 10 June 1991

He's a man of the highest integrity. I admire her artistic integrity. She had the integrity to refuse to compromise on matters of principle. Without music, the film loses its integrity. They are trying to preserve the cultural integrity of the community. The earthquake may have damaged the building's structural integrity. See More

Recent Examples on the Web But Jesse’s ending stays very true to the integrity of his vision. —

Josh Wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 May 2023 According to Matson and Davenport Fire Chief Mike Carlsten, the building’s integrity was of concern prior to the partial collapse. —

Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 30 May 2023 Throughout the school year, more than 30 high school seniors from six high schools were recognized for demonstrating character, integrity, love of learning, involvement in school and community activities and/or the ability to overcome challenging circumstances. —

Laura Groch, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2023 The Republican ally of Trump has cast doubt on the integrity of the 2020 elections, which may have hurt both Lake and Masters in the state last cycle. —

Samantha-jo Roth, Washington Examiner, 25 May 2023 The secret lies in the clever use of innovative materials like carbon fiber, mesh, and lightweight foam compounds that strike a delicate balance between weight reduction and structural integrity. —

Talene Appleton, menshealth.com, 18 May 2023 Stucco also requires special expertise to prep its surface and gentle wash it (as opposed to power-washing) to maintain its structural integrity. —

Kate Mcgregor, House Beautiful, 18 May 2023 Avoid abrasive cleaners as that can damage the integrity of the tree. —

Michelle Love, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2023 Voluntary compliance with federal ethics and disclosure laws isn’t enough to quell suspicions about the court’s integrity. —

Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'integrity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English integrite, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French integrité, from Latin integritat-, integritas, from integr-, integer entire

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of integrity was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century