ethical

adjective

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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Other Words from ethical

ethicality \ ˌe-thə-ˈka-lə-tē

\ noun

ethically \ ˈe-thi-k(ə-)lē

\ adverb

ethicalness \ ˈe-thi-kəl-nəs

\ noun

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

The news is the latest in a series of actions by Pruitt that have raised questions over his ethical judgment as EPA chief. — Clare Foran, CNN, "Emails: Pruitt used EPA aide to inquire about Chick-fil-A business opportunity," 5 June 2018 The production process is ethical and environmentally sustainable, aligning with Parachute's notable brand ethos of authenticity and social responsibility. — Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "Parachute Launches New Collection of Cozy, Handwoven Area Rugs," 7 Mar. 2019 But freedom of expression doesn’t always exist in a vacuum, absent of any other ethical obligations. — Mari Uyehara, GQ, "How Free Speech Warriors Mainstreamed White Supremacists," 8 May 2018 Sources also discussed Meghan's decision to use her fashion choices to promote issues that matter to her, like sustainability and ethical production. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Meghan Markle Turns to Kate Middleton for Style Advice," 8 Mar. 2019 Fifth, companies will face new ethical and compliance challenges. — Steven A. Cohen And, WSJ, "Models Will Run the World," 19 Aug. 2018 Any bargaining between a sitting justice and the White House would immediately raise ethical questions about his or her participation in cases involving the president. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, "Did Anthony Kennedy make a deal with Trump?," 10 July 2018 Trump EPA chief Scott Pruitt resigns as ethical scandals mount Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt, a Kentucky native, resigned Thursday. — Louisville Courier Journal, The Courier-Journal, "Bevin pays up, Scott Pruitt is out, it's hot: Things to know Friday," 6 July 2018 In contrast to paternity/maternity tests, Torkamani notes, consumer genetic testing offered by companies like 23andMe and MyHeritage look at hundreds of thousands of parts of the genome, revealing information that could pose ethical challenges. — Karen Weintraub, Scientific American, "Genetic Testing to Reunite Immigrant Families Raises Issues of Privacy and Consent," 26 June 2018

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.