HONESTY Synonyms: 193 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'honesty' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of honesty are honor , integrity , and probity . While all these words mean "uprightness of character or action," honesty implies a refusal to lie, steal, or deceive in any way.

Q: When is 'honor' a more appropriate choice than 'honesty'?

While the synonyms honor and honesty are close in meaning, honor suggests an active or anxious regard for the standards of one's profession, calling, or position.

Q: When would 'integrity' be a good substitute for 'honesty'?

The meanings of integrity and honesty largely overlap; however, integrity implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility to a degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility, or pledge.

Q: When could 'probity' be used to replace 'honesty'?

While in some cases nearly identical to honesty , probity implies tried and proven honesty or integrity.

honesty

noun

ˈä-nə-stē

Definition of honesty next

as in integrity

devotion to telling the truth George Washington has gone down in history for his honesty

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as in morality

conduct that conforms to an accepted standard of right and wrong he's known for his honesty in business dealings

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as in honor

faithfulness to high moral standards she knew she could count on her students' honesty, even if she left the classroom for a few moments during the test

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as in sincerity

the free expression of one's true feelings and opinions I am speaking with all honesty when I say that your apple pie is the best I've ever tasted

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun honesty contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of honesty are honor, integrity, and probity. While all these words mean "uprightness of character or action," honesty implies a refusal to lie, steal, or deceive in any way.

When is honor a more appropriate choice than honesty?

While the synonyms honor and honesty are close in meaning, honor suggests an active or anxious regard for the standards of one's profession, calling, or position.

When would integrity be a good substitute for honesty?

The meanings of integrity and honesty largely overlap; however, integrity implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility to a degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility, or pledge.

When could probity be used to replace honesty?

While in some cases nearly identical to honesty, probity implies tried and proven honesty or integrity.

Examples 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 honesty Ted Kaufman For decades, including as a United States Senator from Delaware, Ted Kaufman has served the Nation with honesty and integrity. —

Michelle Stoddart, ABC News, 2 Jan. 2025 Hard work, fortitude, honesty, independence, self reliance, connection to the land, and traditional masculinity are a few that come to mind. —

Ryleigh Nucilli, Outside Online, 29 Dec. 2024 Radical honesty in relationship dynamics can disrupt your home life today. —

USA TODAY, 28 Dec. 2024 Forthright conversations around global conflict, government policy and business practice are all hallmarks of Hanna’s leadership in this space, but that honesty extends to DEI as a practice area too. —

Lauren Coulman, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for honesty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for honesty

Noun

Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.

— Anthony Kristensen, arkansasonline.com, 9 Jan. 2025
Decisions as simple as a window placement can have cascading effects on energy performance, structural integrity and occupant comfort.

— Francesco Iorio, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025