ethical

adjective

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eth·i·cal | \ ˈe-thi-kəl

variants: or less commonly ethic \ ˈe-thik

Definition of ethical

1 : of or relating to ethics ethical theories

2 : involving or expressing moral approval or disapproval ethical judgments

3 : conforming to accepted standards of conduct ethical behavior

4 of a drug : restricted to sale only on a doctor's prescription

Other Words from ethical Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about ethical

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Choose the Right Synonym for ethical

moral, ethical, virtuous, righteous, noble mean conforming to a standard of what is right and good. moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong. the basic moral values of a community ethical may suggest the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity. committed to the highest ethical principles virtuous implies moral excellence in character. not a religious person, but virtuous nevertheless righteous stresses guiltlessness or blamelessness and often suggests the sanctimonious. wished to be righteous before God and the world noble implies moral eminence and freedom from anything petty, mean, or dubious in conduct and character. had the noblest of reasons for seeking office

Examples of ethical in a Sentence

Some doctors feel that this procedure is not medically ethical. the ethical behavior expected of every member of the police force

Recent Examples on the Web As consumers shop to fulfill functional needs, companies that provide superlative products — the longest-lasting jean, the most ethical cashmere sweater, the best white T-shirt — are edging out magpie retailers. — Connie Wang, refinery29.com, "RIP To Opening Ceremony, A Store That Taught Us How To Find Ourselves," 15 Jan. 2020 As with fast fashion, fast furniture’s environmental problems are closely tied to ethical issues: the transfer of domestic manufacturing overseas where companies can pay lower wages. — Eleanor Cummins, The New Republic, "Fast Furniture Is an Environmental Fiasco," 14 Jan. 2020 That committee reviews and sets new ethical standards for attorneys in Kentucky. — Julia Fair, The Courier-Journal, "Kentucky judge Dawn Gentry suspension hearing: 5 crazy moments and what's up next," 9 Jan. 2020 The ancient Greeks believed that happiness must be ethical, the professor told us. — Liz Cantrell, Town & Country, "Greece Is More Popular Than Ever—But It Can Still Surprise You," 18 Oct. 2019 Brandt, in early December, received an award for ethical courage from the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration for showing compassion toward the cop during her murder trial. — Greg Norman | Fox News, Fox News, "Best of 2019: Seven acts of kindness that went viral," 26 Dec. 2019 As health care becomes more targeted to individual patients, what are the scientific, ethical, and public policy implications? — BostonGlobe.com, "You're using a browser set to private or incognito mode.," 24 Dec. 2019 To that end, Windmuller-Luna will soon lecture publicly on ethical best practices in curating African arts. — Steven Litt, cleveland, "Cleveland Museum of Art appoints Kristen Windmuller-Luna as curator of African arts," 22 Dec. 2019 Chanakya lays strict ethical codes for administration during peace, along with an elaborate structure for social security of the weak and oppressed in Arthashastra. — Anand Neelakanthan, Quartz India, "Who exactly was Chanakya, the ancient genius that wily Indian politicians are being compared with?," 20 Dec. 2019

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