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.

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of honesty With typical honesty, McKennie admits his career path has long toughened him up to the process. —

Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 Pia’s honesty and authenticity shine as brightly as her imagery. —

Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2025 Frame Criticisms Constructively Delivering critical feedback or raising concerns can be intimidating, but CEOs value honesty when it’s delivered thoughtfully. —

Chiara Alzati, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 Although honesty requires crediting Trump, his success was not the product of magical powers or an indictment of Biden-administration diplomacy. —

Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for honesty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for honesty

Noun

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

— Richard Davenport, arkansasonline.com, 3 Feb. 2025
Changing other content, according to the document, would require review by an expert precisely because any alterations would risk scientific integrity.

— Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2025