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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
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 July 2025
  • Fellow lawmakers and leaders described him Saturday as a gentle man of humility and integrity who was deeply respected on both sides of the aisle and who fought for his fellow firefighters until the end of his life.
    Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • In all honesty, this look was well worth a double take.
    Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 18 July 2025
  • Response snowballed from there and rather than repelling people — as her family once feared — Glaser’s brutal honesty and candid observations brought her a whole new audience.
    Jenelle Riley, Variety, 17 July 2025
Noun
  • The 2026 Arkansas Teacher of the Year will be announced in the fall and will qualify for the National Teacher of the Year top honor, which typically announces its winner in the following spring.
    Dmitry Martirosov, Arkansas Online, 28 July 2025
  • It's been an absolute honor to represent the Chancellor legacy.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • This kid is going to have to discover what human morality is and that horror exists in many forms.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2025
  • Like the first half of Trauma Plot, and the majority of Sylvia Plath’s short life, the book takes place in New England, where the veneer of white middle-class morality can’t quite mask the ongoing structural violence ushered in by imperial colonialism half a millennia ago.
    Emily Van Duyne July 24, Literary Hub, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • Take Advantage Of Increased Catch-up Provisions Starting 2025, individuals age 60 to 63 who participate in 401(k), 403(b), and governmental 457(b) plans are eligible to contribute a super catch-up contribution, by virtue of the SECURE 2.0 Act.
    True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • Does a great man embody the virtue of being devoid of empathy?
    Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • This turns out to be another name for Galactus, a surprisingly scary Marvel villain played with sinister sincerity by Ralph Ineson.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 22 July 2025
  • The host’s mix of candor, patriotism and sincerity, along with his ability to mine humor in current events, however, has been credited for fueling the show’s success.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • As if that weren’t indulgent enough, it’s finished with crispy golden fries tucked right into the bun, soaking up every drop of cheesy goodness.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • Ready to find out how to access all this golf goodness without emptying your wallet?
    Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 17 July 2025
Noun
  • More than just engineering better turbines or blending fuels, this is about powering a new era where reliability and sustainability go hand-in-hand.
    Javier Cavada, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • At her direction, the state’s clean energy efforts are being driven by three main priorities: affordability, sustainability, and grid reliability.
    Doreen M. Harris, New York Daily News, 20 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Probity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probity. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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