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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.

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 probity 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 France’s fiscal probity is in doubt with investors shorting the nation’s bonds even before Macron’s surprise decision, and the region’s allure as a stable and relatively volatility-free alternative to US markets has taken a blow. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Europe, 28 June 2024 Speaking to the Guardian, FitzGerald dismissed the notion that his father, who was widely known for his probity, would make a claim for payment. Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 June 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.
    Anthony Kristensen, arkansasonline.com, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Decisions as simple as a window placement can have cascading effects on energy performance, structural integrity and occupant comfort.
    Francesco Iorio, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • There's definitely a midwestern quality, a good, wholesome honesty that comes with her to New York.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Her honesty and integrity in standing up for the citizens of San Diego can teach us all.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Paul Zimmerman/Getty Images for TBS Mark Twain might be delighted to know that Conan O'Brien, a fellow red-head, has won the prestigious honor that bears his name.
    Elizabeth Blair, NPR, 16 Jan. 2025
  • 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
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
  • Gleyber Torres was out by virtue of the fan interference call.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Partway through a panel discussion at a recent economics conference in San Francisco, Jason Furman, a former adviser to President Barack Obama, turned to Kimberly Clausing, a former member of the Biden administration and the author of a book extolling the virtues of free trade.
    Ben Casselman, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Stiles and Carlino steer the proceedings away from melodrama and broad comedy, rooting the movie in balanced, honest sincerity.
    Courtney Howard, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • Thank goodness the fight is at night or one of them might be put off by a glint of sunlight like receiver CeeDee Lamb.
    Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Words cannot express how good my skin looked, oh my goodness.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Paired with an aging grid and the increasing risk of cyber threats, concerns are mounting about the grid's reliability.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Understanding its physiology involves dissecting the core components and processes that ensure authenticity and reliability.
    Glen Robinson, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near probity

Cite this Entry

“Probity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probity. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on probity

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