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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 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
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

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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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