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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun honesty contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of honesty are honor, integrity, and probity. While all these words mean "uprightness of character or action," honesty implies a refusal to lie, steal, or deceive in any way.

When is honor a more appropriate choice than honesty?

While the synonyms honor and honesty are close in meaning, honor suggests an active or anxious regard for the standards of one's profession, calling, or position.

When would integrity be a good substitute for honesty?

The meanings of integrity and honesty largely overlap; however, integrity implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility to a degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility, or pledge.

When could probity be used to replace honesty?

While in some cases nearly identical to honesty, probity implies tried and proven honesty or integrity.

Examples 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 honesty Sensing that this dad was open to being chatted up, Colvin sat next to him and tried to use raw honesty to his advantage. Brendan I. Koerner, WIRED, 13 Jan. 2025 In some cases, the relationship can even be saved by this type of honesty, Hendrix says. Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 10 Jan. 2025 Of course, that honesty is only just the starting point. Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2025 Monroe spoke with Newsweek about what prompted the conversation and how her relationship has benefited from her honesty. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for honesty 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honesty
Noun
  • Always follow care instructions before washing delicate items and use cold water, as well as a mesh laundry bag, to preserve their integrity.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Jan. 2025
  • But critics have said that continuing to push veterans out of the V.A. system could compromise the integrity of its own health care.
    Noah Weiland, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Does this force her to look more closely at herself and her own sense of morality?
    Cressida Leyshon, The New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2025
  • At that moment, a car full of ISIS morality police — the hisbah — was passing by.
    Alia Malek, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The Next Generation has the dubious honor of being the first Trek show where veteran fans warn against new fans starting at the very beginning.
    Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Michael Goi, Joan Churchill, John Simmons and Pete Romano also are set for career honors from the group.
    Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • For three seasons in Laramie, Wyo., Allen heaved 75-yard bombs in practice, lived off Applebee’s and charmed teammates with his leadership style, a goofy sincerity and plenty of drinking games.
    Rustin Dodd, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Much like the moon — which happens to be Cancer's planetary ruler — Mary has an emotional pull that stirs something deep in those around her, effortlessly drawing them into her orbit with her heartfelt sincerity and loving nature.
    Athena Sobhan, People.com, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • For many professionals, the relentless pursuit of goals, often at the expense of personal well-being, has been elevated to a virtue.
    Amy Blankson, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • If these bathrooms are supposedly for the public, then by virtue of excluding certain people, the message is that their needs are not for consideration.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Both our regional electric grid manager and federal agencies have issued dire warnings of a near-term electricity reliability cliff as Maryland is closing baseload power plants prematurely with no reliable replacements in sight.
    David T. Stevenson, Baltimore Sun, 22 Jan. 2025
  • In contrast, Eurostar’s low ranking reflects its steep prices and poor reliability score.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The film is supernatural body horror goodness from debut filmmaker Michael Shanks.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Thank you all for showing us the goodness in your hearts.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Underscoring the gravity of his message, Sullivan spoke with an urgency and directness that were rarely heard during his decade-plus in public life.
    Axios, Axios, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Newcastle had few high-pass moves in settled possession, where overlaps could be made, instead creating chances through Gordon’s counter-attacking directness.
    Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near honesty

Cite this Entry

“Honesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honesty. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on honesty

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