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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
  • This policy exists to maintain fair competition standards and preserve the sport’s integrity.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Addressing The Risks In this climate of increasing uncertainty, private companies can play a vital role in safeguarding the integrity of digital content.
    Jason Crawforth, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Senior leaders should deliver feedback with honesty and respect, focusing on behaviors, not personalities.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Both Chien and Salonga emphasized the honesty and openness that characterize their relationship.
    Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In 2024, the Orland Park police station was named in his honor.
    Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
  • That was followed by the unveiling of the World Series plaque along the right field line, with those honors going to captains of the Los Angeles and Pasadena Fire Departments.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Any further exploration into the play's themes of toxic masculinity, morality, and corruption, however, have been largely left at the wayside in favor of watching these men work.
    Emlyn Travis, EW.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • In Duplicity, Tyler Perry’s latest thriller, Meagan Tandy and Kat Graham take on roles that challenge perception, morality, and trust.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • From Breakfast Casserole to Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, Southern Living readers know a thing or two about the virtues of a bake-it-and-take-it meal.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 21 Mar. 2025
  • For whatever reasons, De Niro once again misplaces his sense of American virtue.
    Armond White, National Review, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • That’s been evident for a few weeks, but even Wells questioned Boone’s sincerity when the manager first approached him with the idea of batting first.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Bali observes Nyepi with absolute sincerity as even the island’s airport shuts down.
    Roger Sands, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Who wants a Pub Sub? Residents of northern Kentucky can finally enjoy the goodness that is Publix, thanks to the beloved Southern grocer opening their first store in Walton.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 26 Mar. 2025
  • But my goodness the Cubs are epic and this stadium is a work of art.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The integration of these monitoring components creates a robust MLOps environment capable of handling the complexities of production ML systems while maintaining high performance and reliability standards.
    Neel Sendas, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Over the past decade, Rory has cultivated a company culture rooted in integrity, reliability, and positivity.
    USA Today, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Probity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probity. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

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