1
as in honorable
conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue
the ethical behavior expected of every member of the police force
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in honest
following the accepted rules of moral conduct
the ethical course of action for the senator who lied to Congress would be to resign
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in moral
guided by or in accordance with one's sense of right and wrong
ethical writers do not use the words of other writers without giving them proper credit
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ethical
Foxtail said it is dedicated to ethical sourcing.
—
Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 15 Oct. 2025
But Hegseth ultimately controls access to the complex, so journalists had little choice but to surrender their credentials once negotiations with the press office failed to resolve legal and ethical concerns.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025
By jumping forward to 1994 and Gacy’s — spoiler alert — execution, the finale is able to bring together many of the survivors and family members of the victims for what could almost be a one-act play meditating on the ethical and spiritual thorniness of the death penalty.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025
By establishing manufacturing operations in regions like Pakistan, where resources such as gypsum and Portland cement are readily available, West Cal has engaged in international trade with a focus on ethical collaboration.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ethical
Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 15 Oct. 2025
But Hegseth ultimately controls access to the complex, so journalists had little choice but to surrender their credentials once negotiations with the press office failed to resolve legal and ethical concerns.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025
By jumping forward to 1994 and Gacy’s — spoiler alert — execution, the finale is able to bring together many of the survivors and family members of the victims for what could almost be a one-act play meditating on the ethical and spiritual thorniness of the death penalty.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025
By establishing manufacturing operations in regions like Pakistan, where resources such as gypsum and Portland cement are readily available, West Cal has engaged in international trade with a focus on ethical collaboration.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ethical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ethical
Adjective
-
Despite being deceived, Stone, who dated Garfield for four years, conceded that the actor's dedication to the secret was honorable.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Oct. 2025
-
This person has brought shame and disgrace to the badge and to an honorable profession.—
Paloma Chavez,
Sacbee.com,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Her fashion designer husband, who pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and honest services wire and mail fraud, was sentenced to five months behind bars, two years of supervised release, 250 hours of community service, and a $250,000 fine.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 Oct. 2025
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Be honest and then seek out stretch experiences, reading and other ways to learn to fill those gaps.—
Vicki Salemi,
Boston Herald,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
From poverty and inequality to political polarization and misinformation, Kristof explores how truth, empathy and moral courage can guide us toward a more just and compassionate society.—
David L. Coddon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Oct. 2025
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Kennedy has managed to bridge three specific tendencies—toward fiscal conservatism, social liberalism, and a belief that improving societal health is a moral imperative—and present them as one overarching ideology.—
Nicholas Florko,
The Atlantic,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The same is true of modern warfare.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Mathis has been a terror for opposing quarterbacks alongside teammate and fellow true freshman Sidney Stewart.—
The Athletic College Football Staff,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The latter is a more digestible story for the public, and now the news of an engagement is the most respectable outcome in a time when a Coldplay affair haunted us for weeks.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
14 Oct. 2025
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The results are respectable given budgetary limits.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Bindi’s only six years older, but is very conscientious and a real caregiver.—
Rachel Chang,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Oct. 2025
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There are unanswered overtures from the choir’s pianist Horner (Robert Emms), a soft, vulnerable young man whose conscientious-objector status renders him a fellow outsider.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
This one, for example, has fun detailing on the sleeves and a nice roomy fit that looks as comfortable as a sweatshirt.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
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Bills come due, eventually, in every sense, though reported name, image and likeness earnings nearing $2 million at Utah are a nice buffer.—
Brian Hamilton,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Running back Chase Brown had his best game of the year on the ground, rushing for 108 yards on just 11 carries against the Pittsburgh defense.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Oct. 2025
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Arkansas’ best offense in a decade is being wasted by a defense that is shaping up to be one of the worst in program history.—
Matt Jones,
Arkansas Online,
19 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ethical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ethical. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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