ethical
adjective
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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
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Other words from ethical
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noun
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noun
Synonyms & Antonyms for ethical
Synonyms
all right, decent, good, honest, honorable, just, moral, nice, right, right-minded, righteous, straight, upright, virtuous
Antonyms
bad, black, dishonest, dishonorable, evil, evil-minded, immoral, indecent, sinful, unethical, unrighteous, wicked, wrong
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Examples of ethical in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As the subject of at least 13 federal investigations on his spending and managing practices, Pruitt has been laden with ethical controversies since his tenure began last year. — Yadira Sanchez Olson, Lake County News-Sun, "Lake County environmentalists still on guard after Pruitt leaves EPA: 'We have to move forward with the fight'," 6 July 2018 This idea of cleansing society of immigrants marks the dismantling of higher ideals, pluralist values, and ethical standards. — Amro Ali, Time, "Denmark’s “Ghetto” Policies Are an Ominous Sign That Liberal Europe Is Starting to Unravel at the Seams," 3 July 2018 Jay will listen, outwork anyone, and will act with the highest of ethical standards. — Houston Chronicle, "Letters to the Editor," 30 June 2018 Faced with angry alumni and a scornful public, Nikias managed to settle the crisis with calls for more transparency and tougher ethical standards. — Thomas Curwen, latimes.com, "Nikias' tenure as USC president was marked by growth and scandal," 26 May 2018 His job approval in Gallup (44%) is markedly higher than the percentage of people who believe his administration operates on high ethical standards. — Chris Cillizza, CNN, "People think Donald Trump's administration is the least ethical in modern history," 25 May 2018 Such quandaries might suggest that ethical issues should be left to other social scientists. — The Economist, "Economists focus too little on what people really care about," 3 May 2018 The journal also issued a statement defending their ethical standards and decision to publish. — Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, "Despite alien theories and novel mutations, the real Ata puzzle may be ethical," 18 Apr. 2018 Under the city charter, violating the city's ethical standards of conduct can result in a range of punishments, including prosecution. — Joe Guillen, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit tax official reprimanded for second job in real estate," 10 July 2018These 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.
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More Definitions for ethical
ethical
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of ethical
: involving questions of right and wrong behavior : relating to ethics
: following accepted rules of behavior : morally right and good
See the full definition for ethical in the English Language Learners Dictionary
ethical
adjective
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Kids Definition of ethical
1 : involving questions of right and wrong : relating to ethics ethical issues
2 : following accepted rules of behavior We expect ethical treatment of animals.
ethical
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Medical Definition of ethical
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 : conforming to accepted professional standards of conduct
2 of a drug : restricted to sale only on a doctor's prescription
Other words from ethical
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adverb
ethical
nounMedical Definition of ethical (Entry 2 of 2)
: an ethical drug
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ethical
adjective
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Legal Definition of ethical
1 : of or relating to ethics
2 : conforming to accepted professional standards of conduct
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