Phrase guide

honor system

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A system, policy or understanding based on trust in the honesty, honor, or integrity of others.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US

Qualifier: alternative in Canada

Examples

  • Our local beekeeper leaves jars of honey for sale in his driveway. There's a coffee can for the money, and payment is on the honor system.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

a system of conduct in which participants are trusted not to take unfair advantage of others

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • the students are on the honor system

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: system, system of rules

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.