Definition of ethicalnext
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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 But there are moral, ethical and business concerns for the Patriots as Vrabel’s behavior becomes questionable, Watson said. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 14 Apr. 2026 Weighing words while doing the work Edelman’s barometer has been telling executives for years that business is seen as more competent and ethical than governments, NGOs, or the media. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 13 Apr. 2026 Whey protein sourced from grass-fed cows and processed minimally can align perfectly with clean eating and ethical sourcing values. William Jones, Ascend Agency, 13 Apr. 2026 His employee, actually named Harper (Jess McLeod) isn't happy about the ethical line she's just helped her boss cross, but Duncan brings her on board with the promise of her own office. Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ethical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ethical
Adjective
  • After receiving an honorable discharge in 1972, Nolte returned to Raytown to begin a career as an electrician.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Why did the Pentagon, for no plausible reason other than animus, expel trans service members after years of honorable service?
    Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • With the intuitive Moon in your sign, your 1st House of Perception asks for honest self-expression without overthinking.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2026
  • More astute attention to character development, and more honest portrayals of how most of us really live.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Brooks encouraged students to apply three rational lenses when deciding whether to get married, considering their psychological, emotional, and moral compatibility.
    Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Much of this slick drama is a meditation on the differences between how baby boomers — in this case, an old hippy turned seemingly compassionate sage — talk and operate, and how that clashes with the language and moral urgency felt by a very different millennial generation.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Biscuits, waffles, pancakes and eggs — basically, all your breakfast dreams come true — plus classic diner lunches and home-style dinner staples are coming up fast at a James Beard Award semifinalist’s new restaurant in where Plaza Midwood and Plaza Shamrock meet.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026
  • That’s true, said one former counterterrorism official with direct knowledge of the intelligence involved, but there was more to the story.
    Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Caligula selected respectable family men of good reputation, who were conspicuous for some physical disability, for a mock fight.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
  • On Sunday evening, a respectable crowd showed up in the Mojave Tent to pay their respects to the Godfather of Punk, who first played Coachella in a reunion with the Stooges in 2003.
    Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Sam has encouraged the boy to be more conscientious with his studies and has been learning alongside him for years, picking up his schoolbooks and offering ideas on how to make the assignments more meaningful.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The pilot program was characterized by SeaWorld San Diego Park President Tyler Carter as a conscientious move toward potentially phasing out fireworks.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • So borrowing those things on Buy Nothing is really nice.
    Dania Maxwell, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Both Guerrero and Offerman were full of nice things to say about Kidman, who had just one day to shoot her wrestling scene and the previous day to rehearse it, for which Guerrero flew to Nashville to train with Kidman in a boxing gym alongside her stunt double, former wrestler Danielle Moinet.
    Scarlett Harris, IndieWire, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Lemon Poppyseed Muffins Trader Joe’s muffins have a good reputation—and for good reason.
    Staff Author, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2026
  • And the rigmarole of international travel is a very good reason.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ethical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ethical. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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