1
as in honorable
conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue
a righteous man can be trusted to act honorably regardless of the circumstances
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in honest
following the accepted rules of moral conduct
righteous behavior is its own reward
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in excellent
slang
of the very best kind
a nightspot that's a dependable venue for righteous jazz
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of righteous
More joy in Heaven over one sinner who repents than ninety-nine righteous people who’ve got nothing to repent.
—
Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
What stood out to me while reading both articles is that both sportsmen are righteous, grateful people who honor their parents in meaningful ways.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026
Although the film pleasingly goes full Latin-American Peckinpah — yet with a far more convincing and righteous anti-colonial streak — threaded throughout are dreamlike interludes and flashbacks that provide generational historical context to the events and intensify the atmosphere.
—David Katz, IndieWire, 20 May 2026
One of the most consistently infuriating elements of Yellowstone was how Sheridan kept positioning the Duttons — a family of land barons with immense political power and a penchant for murder — as righteous underdogs.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for righteous
Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
What stood out to me while reading both articles is that both sportsmen are righteous, grateful people who honor their parents in meaningful ways.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026
Although the film pleasingly goes full Latin-American Peckinpah — yet with a far more convincing and righteous anti-colonial streak — threaded throughout are dreamlike interludes and flashbacks that provide generational historical context to the events and intensify the atmosphere.
—David Katz, IndieWire, 20 May 2026
One of the most consistently infuriating elements of Yellowstone was how Sheridan kept positioning the Duttons — a family of land barons with immense political power and a penchant for murder — as righteous underdogs.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for righteous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for righteous
Adjective
-
And Florida passed only because one player made the honorable decision.—
David Mica,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2026
-
Granger's intentions are honorable, and O'Donnell sparks his performance with life, making his tragic end that much more gutting.—
Eric Farwell,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
An honest summary would still pass the buck to the voters on a grossly dishonest scheme, but at least the voters might recognize a description that doesn’t cajole, coax and mislead them.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
20 June 2026
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The partner who honors their own limits stays honest.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
Adjective
-
This should be an excellent match against a South Korean side that also has a victory after its comeback last week to beat Czechia.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
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Come for that convenience, and stay for lively communal areas, sleek and spacious rooms and suites, and excellent food and beverage programming.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
The movement advocates for mindful consumption with an emphasis on environmental sustainability and ethical production.—
Chanel Vargas,
InStyle,
18 June 2026
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Why Accountability Diffusion Happens The root cause is architectural, not ethical.—
David Flower,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
In recent days, young Knicks fans have been made to digest from their dreary Boomer elders heavy doses of old-timey hoops lore, but mainly about the 1970 title series, featuring Willis Reed’s limping, yet noble appearance in Game Seven, his injured leg shot up with painkillers.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
14 June 2026
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The work also avoided the use of expensive noble metals, which are commonly used in high-performance catalysts.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
13 June 2026
Adjective
-
The campsite is a budget-friendly way to spend a few nights in the area, a wonderful addition given the more luxe vibe of the other spaces that makes this property feel like a real community.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 June 2026
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But in general, working with Tim is just wonderful.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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Life comes at you fast, and that could not be truer in the world of baseball.—
Stephen J. Nesbitt,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
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This is certainly true—and a rather banal truism.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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The tornadoes that do form in the higher risk area could become intense — EF3 strength or greater — and might also travel long distances.—
Mary Gilbert,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
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Most hotels sit behind the main road, often thronged with tourists and traffic noise, but the Regent Shanghai on the Bund gives guests great views without the fuss.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Righteous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/righteous. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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