ethos

noun

ˈē-ˌthäs How to pronounce ethos (audio)
Definition of ethosnext
as in principles
the code of good conduct for an individual or group rigorous self-discipline was central to the ethos of the ancient Spartans

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 ethos Accessibility and Sustainability Deer Path Inn is known for its exceptional service and attentive care, and this ethos extends to guests with mobility challenges. — Wendy Altschuler, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026 Well, actually, the entire ethos of what Fabletics represents, and then shooting it to myself, meaning like Fabletics is all about [being] easy peasy lemon squeezy. — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 31 July 2026 True to Ilia’s high-performance ethos, the brand conducted extensive clinical trials to ensure efficacy. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 30 July 2026 All were model professionals who bought into the ethos of the club, in several cases over the course of many years. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ethos
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ethos
  1. norms
  2. standards
  3. morality
Noun
  • At stake are broader questions about which social norms and moral values should guide public policy.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Growing up with 9/11, the Great Recession, crushing student loan debt, many millennial workers have lived with significant challenges to social norms and safety nets that offered previous generations some support.
    — Adia Harvey Wingfield, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of norms
Noun
  • Manchester United have, by elite Premier League standards, had a quiet summer 2026 window.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • When the agency tried to make those standards mandatory in 2023, states challenged the rule, and it was withdrawn.
    — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of standards
Noun
  • On the other side, morality is supposed to protect people’s personal autonomy and freedom, even when others in their community dislike or disagree with their choices.
    — Jen Cole Wright, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Fischer studies cultural anthropology, specializing in matters of economics and moralities.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of morality

Browse Nearby Words

ethnicity
ethos
etiolate
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Ethos.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ethos. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on ethos

Nglish: Translation of ethos for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ethos

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of zeugma

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Words of the Week - Aug. 14

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All