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 Clicking it gets a note extolling the virtues of upgrading to the premium edition. — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 1 July 2026 Relatability is an overhyped virtue these days, but fans seem to see themselves in Patricia, whose teenage traumas have rendered her a social pariah desperate for connection. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 29 June 2026 Nostalgia isn’t an Ojai virtue, however, and younger composers kept things current. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 Uniqlo has made a virtue of it, challenging two BA fashion graduates from Central Saint Martins, part of the University of the Arts London, to spin the unwanted items into new designs. — Mary Wenthur, Footwear News, 24 June 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
  • The new bill has a broader base of legislative support and instead uses the preference distinction to incentivize hiring former convicts as opposed to the 15% quota.
    — Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
  • That distinction is beginning to blur, and Nvidia may be quietly dipping its toes in the water of optics for a scale-up.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 9 July 2026
Definition of distinction
Noun
  • In an interview, Worner said that while saints are ultimately mortal and therefore not perfect, there is a certain criterion of morality decided by a multitude of individuals.
    — Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026
  • But there are unusual rewards for an intrepid company willing to test the boundaries of political and artistic morality.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of morality
Noun
  • Kara is addicted to drowning her sorrows and avoiding responsibility, but learns to embrace heroism after embarking on a quest for revenge alongside Ruthye (Eve Ridley).
    — Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • The medal is North America's highest honor for civilian heroism.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 24 June 2026
Definition of heroism
Noun
  • The Red Sox tacked on two insurance runs in the seventh on Abreu’s sacrifice fly and Masataka Yoshida’s RBI single for a 7-3 advantage.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Good luck with that message in flyover country when the revolutionaries don’t enjoy the advantages of light-turnout primaries.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of advantage
Noun
  • On the subject of integrity, Michael Stewart’s Paris Couture debut created a little fizz in the fashion world.
    — Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • The other side of the coin here is those who only want to question the integrity of the country, or only want to enumerate its deals with the devil, that’s not healthy either.
    — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2026
Definition of integrity
Noun
  • Nearly all of them wore masks, lacking the individual courage of a solitary Air Force major with a career and his freedom at stake.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2026
  • Muscato draws on Alexander the Great's strategies and his own experiences, including 9/11 and Winter Storm Uri, to guide executives in leading teams through crisis with clarity, resilience, and courage.
    — Forbes Books Press Release Official, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of courage
Noun
  • ParaZero believes the platform can protect both moving vehicles and stationary high-value assets without adding the weight penalties associated with conventional protective structures.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
  • For years, African leaders have argued that value addition should apply to minerals, not just raw ore.
    — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of value
Noun
  • The hacks go underground because honesty about AI is unrewarded at every level.
    — Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Caught between instinctive honesty and political caution, Grossman perfected a style that relied less on rhetoric than on the power of witness.
    — Madeleine Wulfahrt, New Yorker, 8 July 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 14 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on virtue

Nglish: Translation of virtue for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about virtue

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