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Definition of probitynext
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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 As for the legal probity of targeting such a change at one country—China—this would hardly be unprecedented. Alex Raskolnikov, Foreign Affairs, 19 Feb. 2025 The legal and political crisis encompasses both the Justice Department and New York’s City Hall, calling into question Mr. Adams’s future as well as the independence and probity of federal prosecutions. Benjamin Weiser, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025 Carter’s outsider status, coupled with his evident probity, provided a tonic to an electorate weary of Watergate and Richard Nixon’s endless prevarications. Randall Balmer, The Mercury News, 2 Jan. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for probity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probity
Noun
  • Our students, families, and taxpayers deserve leaders who put the best interests of the community first, not individuals who appear focused on protecting one another instead of protecting the integrity of our school system.
    Ashley Paul, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    Erick Taylor, Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Once Venus, Mercury and the sun finally move into Aquarius, the trajectory of our love lives will shift gears entirely, as this Air sign encourages honesty, friendship and independence.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Our guide gives you the best strategies to handle lying and deception at every stage and smart ways to teach your child the value of honesty.
    Sarah Vanbuskirk, Parents, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The performance earned Millan his first NFL Offensive Player of the Week honor.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Scott Dolch, president and CEO of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, which bestowed the recent honor through their Crazies award, said Riverhouse Catering is one of the best not only in Connecticut, but the region.
    Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The death of Amini in the custody of the morality police became a symbol of systemic repression, particularly against women.
    Washington Post, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
  • Cami trying to bring morality to the oil industry sure sounds nice, but she would be eaten alive.
    William Earl, Variety, 4 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Carrying Mandarin-style wooden ducks (won-ang seteu) down the aisle symbolizes the groom's commitment to his partner and represents virtues like fidelity, harmony, and family in Korean culture.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The virtue of me organizing words and putting them in order and being able to evoke different types of emotions in different types of personalities, that’s a great talent.
    Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Know that conversations deserve deep sincerity.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2026
  • Part of what comes to me, Roxana, is my sincerity and my earnestness.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • My goodness, Tennessee Williams.
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Another category to consider adding to your wellness pantry is tonics, highly concentrated shots of goodness stocked with superfoods.
    Andrea Strong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The goal is to validate performance, safety, and reliability in real-world driving conditions ahead of commercial launch.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The company prides itself on its low prices, reliability, convenience, and superior customer service, according to its website.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 7 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Probity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probity. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on probity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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