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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Political violence has become a twisted form of virtue signaling. — Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026 And yes, the internet — and the virtue-signaling media — got so outraged by it, that Manning, and Sarkisian, were forced to issue apologies. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026 Confession does not guarantee absolution, nor uprightness virtue. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026 And yet Trump wants to turn the White House and an outpost on the Potomac into similar citadels, with little regard for why America’s capital city was named for one of its greatest examples of unadorned republican virtue. — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 20 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
  • This distinction is especially important for companies whose supply chains involve multiple countries, with raw materials, components, and finished goods crossing borders at different stages.
    — Shannon Hynds, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Advertisement Yet experts say the distinction between the two systems is not always clear, particularly given how closely their underlying technology and operations are connected.
    — Tiago Ventura, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of distinction
Noun
  • Not sincere, caring concern, and not questions about the legality or morality of Grace’s ultimatum.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Their morality, as Peter Thiel taught Sam Altman, is to become a monopoly — that’s the only true business, is to be a monopoly.
    — Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of morality
Noun
  • The nomination recognizes a specific act of heroism or service, rather than participation in a large-scale disaster response.
    — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Haloed in distorted guitar and jagged synths, Wolf comes off as a champion of her own avoidance, her heroism charmingly pathetic.
    — Enzo Escober, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of heroism
Noun
  • Ohio polling raises questions Advertisement As polling consistently shows an advantage for Acton, Republicans are increasingly arguing that the polls may be wrong by just enough to give Ramaswamy the win.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Firms that know exactly where the line sits hold quiet advantages their competitors cannot purchase or replicate.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of advantage
Noun
  • Although without Netanyahu’s charisma, Eisenkot, the son of Jewish immigrants from Morocco, is widely regarded by voters as a man of integrity.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 18 Oct. 2026
  • In response, the ambassadors of France and Spain made public statements emphasizing the importance of a credible electoral process and the need for Haiti’s next president to have integrity.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of integrity
Noun
  • The future will not be shaped only by the power of our technology or our weapons, but by the quality of our conversations—and the courage of the choices that follow.
    — Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • But, beyond the wall-to-wall coverage and sensational headlines, is a story about the incredible courage, devotion, and strength that Natalee’s mother, Beth, showed in the face of unimaginable loss.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of courage
Noun
  • The agreement includes an option that could increase its total value to approximately $91 million, further expanding American industrial involvement in the programme.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Part of Borromeo’s mandate was to tighten the product assortment, boost the company’s profitability and return it back to its foundational values and DNA.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of value
Noun
  • In a world that rewards keeping appearances, Space Afrika makes conveying honesty and vulnerability look easy.
    — Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
  • But when customers already know something went wrong, an apology can signal warmth and honesty.
    — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 13 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on virtue

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about virtue

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