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
This requires the kind of moral development that only human beings, who face real ethical challenges and make real decisions, can undergo.
—
Gregg D. Caruso, The Conversation, 21 May 2025
Even in states where the death penalty remains on the books, legal, ethical and political hurdles have led to yearslong delays in carrying out executions.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025
Henry’s journey leads him down a road of manipulation and ethical uncertainty.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 May 2025
Some question whether the interest in crime content is ethical, but Golub said there are a lot of different reasons people are interested.
—Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ethical
Gregg D. Caruso, The Conversation, 21 May 2025
Even in states where the death penalty remains on the books, legal, ethical and political hurdles have led to yearslong delays in carrying out executions.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025
Henry’s journey leads him down a road of manipulation and ethical uncertainty.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 May 2025
Some question whether the interest in crime content is ethical, but Golub said there are a lot of different reasons people are interested.
—Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ethical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ethical
Adjective
-
After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Quang enjoyed a successful pharmaceutical sales stint as a top producer for Astra/Merck and then Genentech.—
Quang X. Pham,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
-
Instead, most of Bernadette’s assumptions — that working the border is an honorable act, or that a federal position will imbue her with more authority, or that all Native people will have the same opinions and the same goals — are upended over the course of the season.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Log in Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.—
Taylor Luck,
Christian Science Monitor,
16 May 2025
-
There has been no new-manager bounce, but instead a series of very honest press conferences about how long the United rebuild could take.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
Why? Chemically, a gambling addiction functions the same way as a substance addiction, but a lot of people incorrectly see it as a moral failing or lack of self control, according to Cait Huble, of the National Council on Problem Gambling.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
-
Diversity, equity and inclusion is both a moral good and also a business imperative for nearly every kind of space.—
Marianne Schnall,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Adjective
-
The coloration of light in this image does not depict a true optical rainbow as would be seen by the naked eye, but rather a colored representation of different wavelengths of light that highlight the instrument's capability to analyze various components of the solar atmosphere.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
15 May 2025
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Dylan’s life is full of true — meaning real — contradictions.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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The ensemble pic led by Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan fell a respectable 55 percent from its opening weekend, compared to an average decline of 57 percent for a title in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
11 May 2025
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These are respectable numbers for a half-ton pickup.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The whereabouts rules are in place to ensure a fair and consistent method of testing for all athletes — not just ones who come from nations with conscientious anti-doping practices.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
-
By operating outside of the fast-churning fashion market with multi-year collections, Huang takes necessary time to be innovative and conscientious with her label’s designs and production.—
Cierra Black,
Essence,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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However, a very nice man let us in, much to the chagrin of a lady who did not want to let us in.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
16 May 2025
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But anyone hoping to hit the open road needs to know one thing: some drivers just aren't very nice, especially in certain states.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Here are 5 of the best Our best wishes on a safe start to the day.—
Quartz Staff,
Quartz,
19 May 2025
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The cryptocurrency has benefited from a best of both worlds scenario that has led to growing momentum from more bitcoin treasury companies and Wall Street investors.—
Tanaya Macheel,
CNBC,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ethical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ethical. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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