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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective righteous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of righteous are ethical, moral, noble, and virtuous. While all these words mean "conforming to a standard of what is right and good," righteous stresses guiltlessness or blamelessness and often suggests the sanctimonious.

wished to be righteous before God and the world

Where would ethical be a reasonable alternative to righteous?

The meanings of ethical and righteous largely overlap; however, ethical may suggest the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity.

committed to the highest ethical principles

When would moral be a good substitute for righteous?

Although the words moral and righteous have much in common, moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong.

the basic moral values of a community

When might noble be a better fit than righteous?

While the synonyms noble and righteous are close in meaning, 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 could virtuous be used to replace righteous?

While in some cases nearly identical to righteous, 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 righteous Parks-Ramage doesn’t come to a specific conclusion, and although some of his more righteous characters seem to be firmly on the reproduction-is-immoral side, his depiction of Gabriel’s childlike wonder and imagination is tender and loving. Ilana Masad, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025 The fuzzy line between justice-seeking and vengeful vigilantism is by now a common staple of the crime thriller, casting a dark shadow of moral ambiguity over even the most righteous crusades. Beatrice Loayza, New York Times, 29 May 2025 The speech got worse: The mighty E Street Band is here tonight to call upon the righteous power of art, of music, of rock ’n’ roll, in dangerous times. . . . Armond White, National Review, 28 May 2025 Down encourages readers to use their righteous anger toward rebuilding a fractured world. Shannon Carlin, Time, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for righteous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for righteous
Adjective
  • But the film’s pulse-pounding excitement is merely a feint to suggest how the rush for vengeance — no matter how justified — only brings about more killing, dragging down honorable intentions and leaving blood on everyone’s hands.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025
  • Milk was forced to resign from the Navy and receive an other than honorable discharge.
    Al Weaver, The Hill, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Ananda Lewis’ voice cut through silence like light through mist—bold, unwavering, and luminously honest.
    Essence, Essence, 23 June 2025
  • The people of Maryland deserve an honest conversation — not one driven by fear or false urgency.
    Joanne Frederick, Baltimore Sun, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Along the way, there have been some other expressions as well, including single barrel, barrel-proof whiskeys, a series of excellent cask-strength American single malts, and rye whiskeys made with different grain varietals.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 29 June 2025
  • There are many excellent CRM platforms that are available at a much lower price point and that can serve the needs of most small and mid-sized businesses.
    Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Invest in educator training that moves beyond basic tool familiarity to pedagogical integration and ethical considerations.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Such governance will likely include public data trusts, ethical review boards, and inclusive policy-making processes—all of which emphasize collective rather than individualistic solutions.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • At first glance, servant leadership sounds both noble and compelling.
    Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • The instinct behind this trend—to broaden one’s circle of concern—was noble.
    David Litt, Time, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Colleagues, mentors and friends are wonderful sources of feedback.
    Kim Salem-Jackson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Favorite collections: Dior, Willy Chavarria, Craig Green, Lemaire and Officine Générale Best show format: The glorious city of Paris and its surroundings were on wonderful display this show season.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • What’s the difference between something being emotionally true and factually true, and what should be valued more?
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
  • In true underworld fashion, García tried to shield himself from the fallout.
    Gina Montaner, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • That could mean even greater affordability for smaller businesses adopting AI for their businesses.
    Bernice Ooi, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • The Boston Red Sox were within striking distance of a postseason spot entering play on Wednesday, but have not been playing great.
    Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Righteous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/righteous. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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