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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun honesty contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of honesty are honor, integrity, and probity. While all these words mean "uprightness of character or action," honesty implies a refusal to lie, steal, or deceive in any way.

When is honor a more appropriate choice than honesty?

While the synonyms honor and honesty are close in meaning, honor suggests an active or anxious regard for the standards of one's profession, calling, or position.

When would integrity be a good substitute for honesty?

The meanings of integrity and honesty largely overlap; however, integrity implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility to a degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility, or pledge.

When could probity be used to replace honesty?

While in some cases nearly identical to honesty, probity implies tried and proven honesty or integrity.

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 honesty Virgo’s energy demands clarity and honesty — no more glossing over red flags or ignoring our needs. Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 27 Feb. 2025 Initiate negotiations with respect and honesty, and be ready to provide documentation to support your financial hardship claims. Staff, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025 And then, in a moment of pure honesty, Toya says what everyone is thinking. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 24 Feb. 2025 And there are those who think in terms of justice and honesty. Joshua Yaffa, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for honesty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honesty
Noun
  • Implementing a data integrity strategy to ensure data has not been tampered with is a critical component in combating AI bias.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • These are essential for maintaining the integrity of a public service that millions of Americans depend on.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • There is the argument from morality: The gods will punish you for these bad deeds.
    Shadi Bartsch, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The intimacy that Mundhra finds in the final few minutes of this film feel like a reward for a project taken on with a rigorous sense of morality. 29.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Being included in their assortment is truly an honor.
    Thomas Waller, WWD, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Texas Democrat Al Green takes the honor for at least trying to cause some good trouble, by shaking his cane at the president before being kicked out at the order of Speaker Mike Johnson.
    Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Dozens of people shared the post, and most of the public shares showed critical commentary that questioned Hill’s sincerity.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Based on Michael Bond’s books, the original movie and especially the sequel stand out for their appeal to all ages — from the children toward whom they’re geared to the abundance of adults who relish their sincerity, humanity and flair.
    Natalia Winkelman, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • And people who’ve just moved into senior roles are particularly vulnerable to losing their virtues.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • To Iñárritu, Prieto’s greatest virtue is his flexibility, both stylistic and personal.
    Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Postal workers will also be permitted to leave facilities earlier and travel greater distances for deliveries, enhancing reliability and revenue, particularly for customers in rural areas.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Padilla’s priorities include the expansion of fare assistance programs and improvements to service reliability and safety.
    Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Neroli, cocoa shell and tonka bean complete it, giving it all the gourmand goodness.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • There’s also a basic bean and cheese burrito for $5.99, and a house burrito filled with goodness for $11.99 (add $2.99 for skirt steak).
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The real shock for Ukrainians is not necessarily in the substance of Trump's remarks but in their directness—which is indeed unwise.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
  • One group may appreciate directness, but another prefers more sensitivity.
    Linda Allen-Hardisty, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Honesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honesty. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on honesty

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