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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.
    Janet B. Carson, Arkansas Online, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Orlando, dies after long battle with cancer Defending elections integrity cost Alan Hays some friendships.
    Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • These core values must be upheld with honesty, conviction, and consistency.
    Dan Pontefract, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Michael’s raw, urban, industrial aesthetic, combined with searing honesty, is exactly what Jonathan wants for Rent.
    Jeffrey Seller, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The honors will be given at the upcoming NATPE Budapest event.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Caccia will deliver a Mass in Francis’ honor at St. Patrick’s on Saturday.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Elsewhere, an extra treat out of the showcase was this exclusive interview with Bullet Train Explosion director Shinji Higuchi, who talked casting singer-actor Tsuyoshi Kusanagi and the morality behind the film.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2025
  • There is no bedrock to build on, in the world or in morality.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Rather, the influencers who extol offal’s virtues seem to do so on the basis of its nutrient density.
    Valerie Trapp, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Modern business culture is in a constant state of evolution, and what was once seen as a virtue can sometimes be misinterpreted as a vice.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Leaders can use short, personal video messages for feedback, recognition and updates because video conveys something text never will: tone, sincerity and connection.
    Chris Savage, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • While some moments certainly sizzle more than others, there’s more than enough sincerity and goofy charisma on stage to keep the show powered.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In 2022 alone, the state shipped nearly $24 billion of nuts, rice, tomatoes and other tasty goodness around the world.
    Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Jones was a tremendous raconteur and an even better writer—his words, my goodness.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • How utilities choose which power source to invest in depends in large part on two key aspects: price and reliability.
    Erin Baker, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Customer experience also helps with increasing trust and reliability.
    Janita Pannu, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Probity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probity. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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