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

Republican supporters say the bill would improve the integrity of elections, including the requirement to show a photo ID.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Two of the highest-ranking law enforcement officials in California are publicly sparring over the integrity of state elections, trading barbs on social media that highlight the fierce partisan divide on the issue heading into the November midterms.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of integrity

Noun

So to be a part of that in any way is exciting, but to have the honor of actually playing her husband in something?

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026
Kennedy used some of his MacArthur money to establish what would become the New York State Writers Institute, and in 1984, a grateful metropolis laid on a citywide celebration in his honor.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of honor

Noun

Integrity beliefs focus on expectations about honesty and morality.

— John C. Besley, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
Despite its reputation, there is a thriving nightlife alongside strict religious codes, a morality police, and security challenges fueled by attacks by jihadi groups.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 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

Alongside them, an 82-year-old lawmaker wages a final battle against powerful religious opposition to change the law — and the belief that endurance is a virtue.

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
And ads paid for by the prediction market and gambling industries don’t tout the virtues of those industries.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of virtue

Noun

This version gets peanut buttery goodness in every bite, thanks to a crust made with peanut butter sandwich cookies and a filling of pudding folded with gobs of peanut butter.

— Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
Thank goodness the projectile vomit-inducing 'sick sticks' aren't real…yet.

— Grace Dean, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of goodness

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“Probity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probity. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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