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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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for probity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probity
Noun
  • Dissatisfaction with Lewis reached a peak in June, when two Pulitzer Prize-winning Post journalists called for a leadership change amid the reports that questioned Lewis’ journalistic integrity, undermining the Post’s reputation and reporting alike.
    Liam Reilly, CNN, 26 Feb. 2025
  • In July 2023, the industry group sued the E.P.A., as well as the National Academies, accusing researchers of a lack of scientific integrity.
    Hiroko Tabuchi, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • And there are those who think in terms of justice and honesty.
    Joshua Yaffa, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
  • When both partners commit to honesty and vulnerability, passive-aggression loses its power, reviving true intimacy. 2.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Being included in their assortment is truly an honor.
    Thomas Waller, WWD, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Texas Democrat Al Green takes the honor for at least trying to cause some good trouble, by shaking his cane at the president before being kicked out at the order of Speaker Mike Johnson.
    Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • There is the argument from morality: The gods will punish you for these bad deeds.
    Shadi Bartsch, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The intimacy that Mundhra finds in the final few minutes of this film feel like a reward for a project taken on with a rigorous sense of morality. 29.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • And people who’ve just moved into senior roles are particularly vulnerable to losing their virtues.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • To Iñárritu, Prieto’s greatest virtue is his flexibility, both stylistic and personal.
    Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Dozens of people shared the post, and most of the public shares showed critical commentary that questioned Hill’s sincerity.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Based on Michael Bond’s books, the original movie and especially the sequel stand out for their appeal to all ages — from the children toward whom they’re geared to the abundance of adults who relish their sincerity, humanity and flair.
    Natalia Winkelman, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Neroli, cocoa shell and tonka bean complete it, giving it all the gourmand goodness.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • There’s also a basic bean and cheese burrito for $5.99, and a house burrito filled with goodness for $11.99 (add $2.99 for skirt steak).
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Postal workers will also be permitted to leave facilities earlier and travel greater distances for deliveries, enhancing reliability and revenue, particularly for customers in rural areas.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Padilla’s priorities include the expansion of fare assistance programs and improvements to service reliability and safety.
    Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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