PROBITIES Synonyms: 159 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

probity

noun

ˈprō-bə-tē

Definition of probity

as in integrity

conduct that conforms to an accepted standard of right and wrong a person of indisputable probity must head the disciplinary panel

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as in honesty

devotion to telling the truth the defense attorney questioned the probity of the witness

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as in honor

faithfulness to high moral standards ideals of fairness and probity in journalism

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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

Noun

Although without Netanyahu’s charisma, Eisenkot, the son of Jewish immigrants from Morocco, is widely regarded by voters as a man of integrity.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 18 Oct. 2026
In response, the ambassadors of France and Spain made public statements emphasizing the importance of a credible electoral process and the need for Haiti’s next president to have integrity.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of integrity

Noun

As private longing collides with honor and social codes, each character has to reckon with what their choices cost.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
The honor recognizes artists who remain relevant through their artistic and personal contributions, and whose influence has made a significant impact on Latin music around the world.

— Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of honor

Noun

Not sincere, caring concern, and not questions about the legality or morality of Grace’s ultimatum.

— Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2026
Their morality, as Peter Thiel taught Sam Altman, is to become a monopoly — that’s the only true business, is to be a monopoly.

— Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 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 nod to purity emphasized the paint brand’s relationship to cleanliness and virtue, and possibly other notions of bigotry.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026
For Monday meditation, the teaching group has assigned the 10 paramis (spiritual virtues) of Buddhism, which explore topics like generosity, wisdom and patience.

— Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of virtue

Noun

Still, the sincerity matters, and so does the achievement of realizing something this strange with such conviction.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026
After many fans online questioned the sincerity of Art of Play’s statement, Clarkson herself stepped back into the fray.

— Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of sincerity

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“Probity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probity. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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