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

Besides regulating consumer products, FDA protects subjects in clinical trials by reviewing informed consent and other ethical practices. — Charles Piller, Science | AAAS, "Exclusive: FDA enforcement actions plummet under Trump," 2 July 2019 As these machines increasingly become part of domestic life, those relationships usher in ethical questions: Are those bonds healthy? — Arielle Pardes, WIRED, "The Second Coming of the Robot Pet," 1 July 2019 The central ethical question that has emerged is what role a company like Wayfair can play in this ongoing crisis. — Tanya Edwards, refinery29.com, "Inside Wayfair Employees' Protest Of The Company's Business With Migrant Detention Centers," 30 June 2019 If non-white academics are to feel truly valued and supported then a series of structural, intellectual, and ethical obligations, must be implemented in higher education to ensure advancement and inclusion for all. — Katy Sian, Quartz, "“Liberal racism” continues to plague Britain’s universities," 27 June 2019 Read more: Reporting him to the police, and/or notifying the medical school about this incident – anonymously or otherwise – may protect another person/patient down the road. Reporting is a brave and ethical response to the assault. — Amy Dickinson, Detroit Free Press, "Med student’s assault brings on ethical dilemma," 26 June 2019 Reporting is a brave and ethical response to the assault. — Ask Amy, oregonlive.com, "Ask Amy: Worried mother wants to know how to address daughter’s sexual assault," 26 June 2019 Enron’s board voted twice to waive the corporation’s ethical code to allow then-Chief Financial Officer Andrew S. Fastow to conduct complex transactions that contributed to the company’s demise. — Siri Terjesen, The Conversation, "Corporate boards are supposed to oversee companies but often turn a blind eye," 24 June 2019 Business owners looking to move close to downtown are taking a good look at these remnants of a thriving core and finding reasons — environmental, ethical, aesthetic — to restore these old buildings for a new generation. — Richard A. Marini, ExpressNews.com, "These 3 industrial buildings were given a second life in downtown San Antonio," 21 June 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.