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

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
  • Later, the Moon opposes Uranus in your 1st House of Self, which may bring a sudden need for independence, honesty, or a different pace.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In the moments of incredible sensitivity, humor, or honesty that keep people engrossed.
    — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of honesty
Noun
  • As a freshman last season, Ehler racked up 298 digs, 196 kills and 57 aces for Andrean (16-16, 10-2), earning All-Northwest Crossroads Conference and all-district honors.
    — Noah Poser, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
  • During his illustrious career, Lucisano was honored with five David di Donatello awards, including a lifetime achievement honor in 2009, as well as four Nastri d’Argento Silver Ribbon awards.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of honor
Noun
  • Others, however, expressed some concerns about the morality of cashing in on the destruction.
    — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Like Tara’s death for Willow, Connor’s disappearance rewrites the laws of morality for Angel.
    — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 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
  • Today, young people are increasingly frustrated with the hypocrisy of politicians lecturing them about the virtues of voting while in practice facilitating disengagement.
    — David Neil, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Just as uniformity is a virtue of a product, so uniqueness is a virtue of a service.
    — Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 15 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
  • And then what came after that was many, many years of me having this dysphoria with my voice and trying to hear the goodness.
    — Jeffrey Masters, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Both content management systems are chock full of SEO goodness.
    — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of goodness

Browse Nearby Words

probings
probity
problem
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

Cite this Entry

“Probity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probity. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on probity

Nglish: Translation of probity for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of rigmarole

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All