virtue

noun

ˈvər-(ˌ)chü How to pronounce virtue (audio)
Definition of virtuenext
1
as in distinction
a quality that gives something special worth the virtue of wool as a clothing material is that it can provide insulation from the cold even when wet

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in morality
conduct that conforms to an accepted standard of right and wrong a lady of honor and virtue

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in heroism
strength of mind to carry on in spite of danger a military hero whose virtue inspired a nation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 virtue In liberal democracies, public life is devoted to securing liberty, not to learning virtue. — Robert A. Ballingall, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2026 But even as the characters reflect at length on the virtue of putting themselves out there, their series too often retreats within itself instead. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026 Political violence has become a twisted form of virtue signaling. — Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026 Confession does not guarantee absolution, nor uprightness virtue. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for virtue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virtue
  1. distinction
  2. morality
  3. heroism
  4. advantage
  5. integrity
  6. courage
  7. value
  8. honesty
Noun
  • But there is an important distinction between reporting a tragedy and allowing that tragedy to define an entire industry.
    — Dennis Speigel, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
  • That distinction could make the approach relevant to weapons already in the Army’s inventory.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of distinction
Noun
  • When morality is consistently applied to food, a person’s relationship to food can become complicated.
    — Bryn Beeder, The Conversation, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Sir Patrick Stewart's most famous characters tackled concepts such as honor, morality and courage.
    — Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of morality
Noun
  • Hope is no crime, nor even an affection for a certain kind of heroism, but at the same time, theater owes it to no one to be semper fi.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Iâve always been drawn to exploring the more complex, human side of those experiences rather than simply celebrating the heroism.
    — David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of heroism
Noun
  • Likely voters who decided which candidate to support only recently in seven key Senate races favor Republicans despite an overall Democratic advantage, according to a new poll released Sunday night.
    — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The data — provided by Eric Eager, then with PFF — has proven extending a three-point lead to six points late in the fourth quarter has more consequences than advantages.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of advantage
Noun
  • The Justice Department aims to send poll monitors to all 50 states in the 2026 midterms, marking an ambitious expansion of a longstanding federal initiative aimed at ensuring election integrity.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 24 Oct. 2026
  • But when the firmware itself is compromised, the source and integrity of the update become especially important.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of integrity
Noun
  • As their connection grows, each of them helps give the other the courage to step outside their comfort zones and find new joy — and possibly love — in unexpected ways.
    — Rachel LaBonte, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Sir Patrick Stewart's most famous characters tackled concepts such as honor, morality and courage.
    — Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of courage
Noun
  • Its practical value will depend on whether the systems can consistently handle varied components, operate at useful production speeds, and work reliably within existing factory infrastructure.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
  • This translates into infinitely many families of identities, one for every value of a.
    — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of value
Noun
  • The defenses now in place filter for honesty rather than for risk.
    — Dvir Ginzburg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026
  • However, honesty remains important, especially when explaining what your business can and cannot do.
    — Mark Berookim, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of honesty

Phrases Containing virtue

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virtually
virtue
virtueless
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Cite this Entry

“Virtue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virtue. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on virtue

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about virtue

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