MORAL Synonyms: 162 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'moral' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of moral are ethical , noble , righteous , and virtuous . While all these words mean "conforming to a standard of what is right and good," moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong. // the basic moral values of a community

Q: When is 'ethical' a more appropriate choice than 'moral'?

The synonyms ethical and moral are sometimes interchangeable, but ethical may suggest the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity. // committed to the highest ethical principles

Q: When might 'noble' be a better fit than 'moral'?

Although the words noble and moral 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

Q: In what contexts can 'righteous' take the place of 'moral'?

In some situations, the words righteous and moral are roughly equivalent. However, righteous stresses guiltlessness or blamelessness and often suggests the sanctimonious. // wished to be righteous before God and the world

Q: When could 'virtuous' be used to replace 'moral'?

While the synonyms virtuous and moral are close in meaning, virtuous implies moral excellence in character. // not a religious person, but virtuous nevertheless

moral 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmȯr-əl

Definition of moral

as in ethical

conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue the kind of moral behavior that is expected of everyone in the parish's youth organization

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in honorable

guided by or in accordance with one's sense of right and wrong a moral decision to refrain from sexual relations until after marriage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

moral

2 of 2

noun

as in principle

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective moral differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of moral are ethical, noble, righteous, and virtuous. While all these words mean "conforming to a standard of what is right and good," moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong.

the basic moral values of a community

When is ethical a more appropriate choice than moral?

The synonyms ethical and moral are sometimes interchangeable, but ethical may suggest the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity.

committed to the highest ethical principles

When might noble be a better fit than moral?

Although the words noble and moral 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

In what contexts can righteous take the place of moral?

In some situations, the words righteous and moral are roughly equivalent. However, righteous stresses guiltlessness or blamelessness and often suggests the sanctimonious.

wished to be righteous before God and the world

When could virtuous be used to replace moral?

While the synonyms virtuous and moral 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 moral

Adjective

Further, many of them are transparent about their moral visions. — Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2026 Bäck’s film prefers untidy personal drama to a tidy moral verdict. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026

Noun

The movie, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary on May 3, showed us how to use our magic and morals to decide whether to embrace necromancy and the occult. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026 And the moral of the story is to be nice to the creepy guys in the gas station. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for moral

Recent Examples of Synonyms for moral

Adjective

Several key ethical questions for consumers remain unanswered.

— Andréa Becker, STAT, 14 Aug. 2026
The question was whether asking a minor to pose nude without parental knowledge or consent violated the city’s ethical standards.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of ethical

Adjective

Cornerback Juice Clarke, who started eight games last season and also was an honorable-mention selection, and safety Mac Resetich are back for their senior seasons.

— Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Ingrid is an honorable and moral friend who facilitates her death while staying in a neighboring room.

— Vanessa Rampton, STAT, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of honorable

Noun

Sharp has traditionally paid its employees to attend an all-hands recognition event for those deemed by their peers to best meet the organization’s guiding principles.

— Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
Instilling those same principles in their replacements are fundamental in the new era.

— Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of principle

Adjective

To be honest, that's probably the best-case scenario for the casual fans that this sort of fight draws.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Its quincunx to Saturn in your 2nd House of Resources may ask you to be honest about time, money, energy, or self-worth.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of honest

Adjective

Even the most conscientious hand washers who use a basin or a full sink still use two to four times as much water as the average dishwasher cycle.

— Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2026
That’s how John Sugar goes from conscientious private eye to would-be assassin.

— Andy Andersen, Vulture, 24 July 2026

Definition of conscientious

Noun

His position on Saturday, and his performance, will offer clarity about who the Eagles value in their depth along the offensive line — and where.

— Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
She is alleged to have touted that the company had a potential future value of more than $4 billion.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of value

Adjective

But regardless of any lack of confidence in Hamas’ true intentions, in Mladenov’s faith in the ability to verify weapons decommissioning, or indeed Netanyahu’s own willingness to order any troop withdrawals, why poke Trump so publicly in the eye?

— Andrew Carey, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
This problem-first strategy is crucial for unlocking AI's true potential.

— Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of true

Noun

Quanta spoke with Cao about evidence for the programmed theory of aging, what happens at each stage, and why aging mammals are like trees shedding leaves.

— Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026
The sheriff's office also sought to rebut theories that had circulated publicly about the case, including claims that evidence was missing or the crime scene had been manipulated.

— Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of theory

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moralism

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

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Synonyms of moral

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