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integrity

noun
in·​teg·​ri·​ty | \ in-ˈte-grə-tē How to pronounce integrity (audio) \

Definition of integrity

1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility
2 : an unimpaired condition : soundness
3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness
Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about integrity

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 He is also known for his integrity, faith, treating people with respect, and thinking outside the box. — Rebecca Maitland, Houston Chronicle, "Realtor of the Week: Kyler Ferris," 4 Aug. 2019 But by 2005, the Secret Service—the agency responsible for maintaining the integrity of the U.S. financial infrastructure—was narrowing in on Cox and Hauck. — Rachel Monroe, The Atlantic, "The True-Crime Writer in Cellblock B4," 16 July 2019 Such prolonged pressure can slowly erode the soil and threaten the structural integrity of the levees. — Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, "Tropical Storm Barry’s Dangers Will Reach Far Inland," 12 July 2019 Michael is widely respected for his creativity, integrity, wit and passion. — Carol Leblanc, Smithsonian, "Michael Caruso Steps Down as Editor in Chief of Smithsonian Magazine," 25 June 2019 Here’s the thing, ultimately: This study was never meant to start a conversation about journalistic integrity, or ethics, or anything of the sort. — Kim Kelly, The New Republic, "Quillette’s “Antifa Journalists” List Could’ve Gotten Me Killed," 14 June 2019 The concern is, where is the conversation today about integrity and morality. — Diksha Madhok, Quartz India, "Why billionaire Anand Mahindra spends so much time on Twitter," 30 July 2019 The second was Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), which uses the diffusion of water molecules in brain tissue to glean information about tissue integrity and microstructures. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, "Brain imaging weirdness adds to Cuba “health attack” mystery," 24 July 2019 Pumpkin is packed with beta-carotene, the precursor to vitamin A — an important antioxidant for visual acuity and skin integrity — as well as vitamins C and E, also important antioxidants for repairing your body’s cells from damage. — Jaclyn London, Ms, Rd, Cdn, Good Housekeeping, "The Best Pumpkin Health Benefits Every Fall Lover Needs to Know About," 14 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'integrity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of integrity

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for integrity

Middle English integrite, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French integrité, from Latin integritat-, integritas, from integr-, integer entire

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More Definitions for integrity

integrity

noun
How to pronounce integrity (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of integrity

: the quality of being honest and fair
: the state of being complete or whole

See the full definition for integrity in the English Language Learners Dictionary

integrity

noun
in·​teg·​ri·​ty | \ in-ˈte-grə-tē How to pronounce integrity (audio) \

Kids Definition of integrity

1 : total honesty and sincerity a person of integrity
2 : the condition of being free from damage or defect The building has structural integrity.

integrity

noun
in·​teg·​ri·​ty | \ in-ˈteg-rət-ē How to pronounce integrity (audio) \
plural integrities

Medical Definition of integrity

: an unimpaired condition personality function depends greatly upon the integrity of brain function — Diagnostic & Statistical Manual

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