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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
  • Yes—but only for those willing to lead with foresight and integrity.
    Kumar Abhishek Narayan, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Even here, in an election with no clause for character, integrity and sportsmanship, Bonds couldn’t amass three-quarters of the vote.
    Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • His writing stands out for its honesty and authenticity, offering a vivid, personal chronicle of a transformative era.
    Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
  • Instead, aim to create a space where all questions are welcome, curiosity is met with calm, and honesty is part of everyday life.
    Kelsey Mora, CNBC, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • An Architect Among his many honors, Les Paul is one of the very few artists with a permanent, stand-alone exhibit in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
    Eli Amdur, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • The decision about the honor was made by the board of directors of La Biennale, based on the recommendation of the artistic director of the festival, Alberto Barbera, organizers said Monday.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • To catch up on his late rent, Winston talks himself into a job at We Deliver, a transportation company with a colorful clientele whose requests can’t help but loosen one’s morality.
    The New York Times, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Regardless of their personal morality, the jurors are going to have a negative view of Mr. Combs, no question.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • And as readers no doubt know by virtue of clicking on a review about a golf book, Johnson could have had so many more.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • For the Ancient Greek philosopher, the mother of all virtues was phronesis, or practical wisdom.
    Sigal Samuel, Vox, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Failing to deliver recognition with sincerity can be one of the most expensive leadership mistakes.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • While the veteran running back’s voice barely elevated above a public library level and his mannerisms remained reserved, the sincerity of his enthusiasm still landed.
    Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • When hate pokes up its ugly head, love overshadows it with goodness and gracefulness and purpose.
    Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
  • Ranch: Smooth, rich and irresistibly savory – our Ranch Snack Wrap delivers a satisfying burst of cool ranch goodness, with hints of garlic and onion.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Testimony about Proctor’s text messages comes as Read’s team has spent weeks attempting to sow doubt about the reliability of evidence presented by prosecutors, in an effort to distance Read from O’Keefe’s death.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 June 2025
  • Wholesale Trade-Offs And DTC Gaps Department stores were once synonymous with reach, reliability, premium customer service and validation (especially the kind of reputational validation that designers crave).
    Adam Ayers, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Probity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probity. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

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