PROBITY Synonyms: 159 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

probity

noun

ˈprō-bə-tē

Definition of probity next

as in integrity

conduct that conforms to an accepted standard of right and wrong a person of indisputable probity must head the disciplinary panel

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in honesty

devotion to telling the truth the defense attorney questioned the probity of the witness

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as in honor

faithfulness to high moral standards ideals of fairness and probity in journalism

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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 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 However, rather than a system with strong legal institutions and constraints on executive power, the Constitution of Year III relied on the probity of its voters and representatives. —

Christine Adams / Made By History, TIME, 16 Sep. 2024 France’s fiscal probity is in doubt with investors shorting the nation’s bonds even before Macron’s surprise decision, and the region’s allure as a stable and relatively volatility-free alternative to US markets has taken a blow. —

Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Europe, 28 June 2024 Speaking to the Guardian, FitzGerald dismissed the notion that his father, who was widely known for his probity, would make a claim for payment. —

Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for probity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for probity

Noun

It should be earned through action, integrity, and accountability.

— Steve Grappe Special to the Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 14 Feb. 2025
Scientific agencies have been staffed by scientists; scientists have set scientific priorities; scientists have ensured the integrity of the science that is done, on the theory that scientists know their own complicated, technical, sometimes arcane work best.

— Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2025