probity

noun

ˈprō-bə-tē How to pronounce probity (audio)
Definition of probitynext
1
as in integrity
conduct that conforms to an accepted standard of right and wrong a person of indisputable probity must head the disciplinary panel

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in honesty
devotion to telling the truth the defense attorney questioned the probity of the witness

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in honor
faithfulness to high moral standards ideals of fairness and probity in journalism

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 McKinley was a man whose probity, caution, and incrementalism shrouded his analytical adroitness and tactical boldness. — Robert W. Merry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025 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 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
  1. integrity
  2. honesty
  3. honor
  4. morality
  5. truthfulness
  6. virtue
  7. sincerity
  8. goodness
Noun
  • The idea is to preserve their physical integrity and maintain their sacred aura.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Both sides of the political aisle have voiced worries about the integrity of the salt caverns.
    — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of integrity
Noun
  • The host then praises the coach's honesty and the panel's grace.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Both help make the case that unfamous people, in all their honesty and complexity, are as worthy of our attention as celebrities.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of honesty
Noun
  • Miller also asked Marco Rubio who his favorite rapper is, and the secretary of state gave the honors to Tupac.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Taylor Swift will be adding another trophy to her shelf, as the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame announced Tuesday that the superstar will be inducted into the hall this fall, becoming, at 36, the youngest writer ever to receive the honor.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of honor
Noun
  • On the other side, morality is supposed to protect people’s personal autonomy and freedom, even when others in their community dislike or disagree with their choices.
    — Jen Cole Wright, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Fischer studies cultural anthropology, specializing in matters of economics and moralities.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of morality
Noun
  • There is an emphatic truthfulness to the story and the performances that anchor it, which is both refreshing and innovative.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Some people thought the character was too much, but Danica managed to make her just that without losing the truthfulness, and the ending wouldn’t have worked without that.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026
Definition of truthfulness
Noun
  • The virtue-signaling and pandering and gaslighting would end.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Germany’s Chancellor stood in the White House with the US President and extolled the virtues of hydrogen.
    — Sverre Alvik, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of virtue
Noun
  • Toeing the line between sincerity and tongue-in-cheek humor, Edelman claims to have developed an obsession with contemporary Christian music after Smith invited him to a concert.
    — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • His sincerity, the fearlessness of trying—very hard and very publicly—is success in itself.
    — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of sincerity
Noun
  • The good news is that while the promotions might end, the restaurants will still be there, serving up lots of goodness.
    — Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 9 Aug. 2026
  • That stood in drastic contrast to the start-to-finish musical goodness of Day 1, where the highlights — from Wet Leg and Geese to Clipse and headliner Charli xcx — were more evenly spread out.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of goodness

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Cite this Entry

“Probity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probity. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of probity for Spanish Speakers

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