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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ethical differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ethical are moral, noble, righteous, and virtuous. While all these words mean "conforming to a standard of what is right and good," ethical may suggest the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity.

committed to the highest ethical principles

When is moral a more appropriate choice than ethical?

The meanings of moral and ethical largely overlap; however, moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong.

the basic moral values of a community

When would noble be a good substitute for ethical?

Although the words noble and ethical have much in common, noble implies moral eminence and freedom from anything petty, mean, or dubious in conduct and character.

had the noblest of reasons for seeking office

When is it sensible to use righteous instead of ethical?

The words righteous and ethical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, righteous stresses guiltlessness or blamelessness and often suggests the sanctimonious.

wished to be righteous before God and the world

When might virtuous be a better fit than ethical?

While the synonyms virtuous and ethical are close in meaning, virtuous implies moral excellence in character.

not a religious person, but virtuous nevertheless

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ethical The platform has also raised ethical questions recently in the news. Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025 One way to help would be to have a more focused refugee labor inclusion in ethical supply chains. Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 25 June 2025 But today, even some of these spaces are losing their independence—becoming arenas for power struggles, where truth is sacrificed to political or financial agendas, and the ethical foundations of education and research are under attack. Narges Mohammadi, Time, 25 June 2025 Different versions of the Ten Commandments, which are considered to be ethical guidelines observed by Judeo-Christian faiths, exist based on denominations and biblical translations. Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ethical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ethical
Adjective
  • But the film’s pulse-pounding excitement is merely a feint to suggest how the rush for vengeance — no matter how justified — only brings about more killing, dragging down honorable intentions and leaving blood on everyone’s hands.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025
  • Milk was forced to resign from the Navy and receive an other than honorable discharge.
    Al Weaver, The Hill, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • My advice is to conduct an honest assessment of your team's capabilities relative to migration requirements.
    AJ Bubb, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • What is your secret to remaining an innovator in your field? To be honest, I get inspired.
    Nigel Smith, People.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Would this transformation disrupt the moral and civic foundations of the nation?
    Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • The only real protection from moral injury… is moral courage.
    Nell Derick Debevoise, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • What’s the difference between something being emotionally true and factually true, and what should be valued more?
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
  • In true underworld fashion, García tried to shield himself from the fallout.
    Gina Montaner, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • There’s no denying that the second-generation Pontiac Firebird Trans Am muscle car tipped the scale toward kitsch, adding flares, spoilers, and a set of cringeworthy decals—available as of 1973 as a $55 option—to an otherwise respectable design.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 27 June 2025
  • Zeller was taken ahead of the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Steven Adams, a pair of big men who’ve had more than respectable careers.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • As any stunt coordinator or conscientious director will tell you, the trick is to make the stunt look dangerous but not be dangerous.
    Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 14 June 2025
  • Most arbitrators are highly conscientious professionals who take their job very seriously.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • Specialty restaurants on Westerdam, which come at an extra cost, include Pinnacle Grill, a steakhouse-style affair serving prime steaks and seafood, and Canaletto, which does nice Italian fare.
    Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2025
  • The answer is a cool $2.8 million, probably enough to buy a really nice apartment in Ghent near the River Scheldt.
    Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Within that world, the film will follow other characters, including a younger player struggling to juggle soccer and her day job, and Shirley’s rival, the daughter of a famous player trying her best to reconcile her feelings for a teammate.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 24 June 2025
  • By constantly rethinking how the world functions and how best to protect the natural environment, Lombard Odier IM has positioned itself as a guide for achieving long-term, sustainable growth.
    Judith Magyar, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ethical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ethical. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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