Definition of INTEGRITY (original) (raw)
3
: the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for integrity
honesty, honor, integrity, probity mean uprightness of character or action.
honesty implies a refusal to lie, steal, or deceive in any way.
honor suggests an active or anxious regard for the standards of one's profession, calling, or position.
integrity implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility to a degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility, or pledge.
probity implies tried and proven honesty or integrity.
Examples of integrity in a Sentence
Many were tempted by a piece of the equity action and compromised their integrity. —
Bruce Nussbaum, Business Week, 28 Jan. 2002 By September, Gorbachev had told his aides that with Eastern Europe and Germany lost, the task was to defend the integrity of the Soviet Union itself. —Condoleezza Rice, Newsweek, 22 Nov. 1999 But it is stunning to hear self-appointed watchdogs of public integrity shrug their shoulders at "standard" prosecutorial practice … —Wendy Kaminer, New York Times Book Review, 22 Mar. 1998 … a hundred-and-one-year-old Jewish philanthropist … donated two and a quarter million dollars to the Archdiocese to purchase the property and preserve the integrity of the landmark. —Brendan Gill, New Yorker, 10 June 1991
He's a man of the highest integrity. I admire her artistic integrity. She had the integrity to refuse to compromise on matters of principle. Without music, the film loses its integrity. They are trying to preserve the cultural integrity of the community. The earthquake may have damaged the building's structural integrity.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism. —Ainsley Platt, arkansasonline.com, 22 Dec. 2024 Some fabrics, like stretchy elastane and nylon, can retain bacteria and sweat—and, thus, need to be laundered more frequently to prevent odors and preserve the integrity of the material. —Emily Chan, Vogue, 22 Dec. 2024 To preserve this unique part of the Mini’s story, Tolman replaced the can with a stronger version to ensure mechanical integrity. —Trinity Francis, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024 While the dynamic between Mufasa and Taka eventually changes, some scenes highlight integrity, loyalty, and even jealousy. —Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 21 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for integrity 
Word History
Etymology
Middle English integrite, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French integrité, from Latin integritat-, integritas, from integr-, integer entire
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time Traveler
The first known use of integrity was in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near integrity
Cite this Entry
“Integrity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/integrity. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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Last Updated: 25 Dec 2024 - Updated example sentences
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