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 This occurs when nurses don't have the staff, supplies, knowledge or access to other professionals to fulfill ethical or professional responsibilities. — Karen J. Foli, CNN, "Nurses are struggling with trauma. But they were suffering long before Covid-19 hit," 9 July 2020 The regulator also is asking professional services firms to be more transparent about their audit businesses and for audit professionals to demonstrate ethical behavior and professional skepticism while conducting their work. — Nina Trentmann, WSJ, "U.K. Regulator Orders Big Four to Separate Audit Practices by 2024," 6 July 2020 But, despite such concerns, sports have often been a forum for ethical disputes, a space to probe the concepts of integrity and social responsibility. — Ann Killion, SFChronicle.com, "Washington’s NFL team finds morality when its bottom line is threatened," 13 July 2020 In April, Martinez received a reprimand for ethical misconduct in three capital murder cases. — Lauren Castle, The Arizona Republic, "Man convicted of killing Glendale police officer no longer faces death penalty," 10 July 2020 This job of noblesse oblige raises a host of uncomfortable ethical conundrums, but Peter, in typical fashion, squares them away by showing his self-awareness. — Ryu Spaeth, The New Republic, "The Shallowness of the Self-Aware Novelist," 9 July 2020 Another independent review will be conducted by Verisio and Bureau Veritas, specialists in ethical audits and compliance. — Eliza Huber, refinery29.com, "Boohoo Launches Supply Chain Review Following Exploitation Claims," 9 July 2020 Prior to the pandemic, nurses faced ethical and personal safety dilemmas during disasters and other emergencies. — Karen J. Foli, CNN, "Nurses are struggling with trauma. But they were suffering long before Covid-19 hit," 9 July 2020 There is no legal or ethical rule preventing candidates or sitting lawmakers from benefiting from the PPP loans. — Emily Larsen, Washington Examiner, "Democratic candidates benefit from PPP loans they criticized," 8 July 2020

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.