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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Dolan in her own statement played up the virtues of a home entertainment release. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026 But now, amid allegations of financial and other serious wrongdoing, citizens may need to decide between party preferences and loyalty on the one hand and the role of judgment, character, and civic virtue on the other. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 8 July 2026 Patience is a virtue Christensen said his agents have heard from a handful of teams since the start of free agency. — Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026 The same amount of venality and virtue exists today as did back then, and so human nature just doesn’t change. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 2 July 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
  • Some make a distinction between temporary discomfort – such as anxiety or difficult emotions during meditation – and lasting harm, such as worsening mental health symptoms.
    — Ronald S. Green, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
  • Pica and compulsive tendencies There’s an important distinction between chewing and pica in cats.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Definition of distinction
Noun
  • Expect plenty of action, interpersonal tensions and philosophical dilemmas around destiny and morality.
    — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of morality
Noun
  • An art film about the great midfielder Zinedine Zidane reveals the heroism and pathos of being human.
    — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of heroism
Noun
  • While Spain looks primed to defend their crown with a young core and home-field advantage, the race to lift the World Cup in 2030 has almost four years to now take shape.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • With warm Southern weather stretching way beyond Labor Day, this is actually the perfect time to take advantage, with lots of days on the porch still left.
    — Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 19 July 2026
Definition of advantage
Noun
  • Georgia Bedell contends that the Planning and Zoning Commission last winter didn’t do a meaningful review of the effect on air quality, water contamination nor the integrity of the nearby aquifer.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
  • Emotional intelligence and leadership humility help executives to lead with integrity and accountability, which fosters a culture of respect and continuous improvement.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of integrity
Noun
  • At their best, natural leaders with the courage to take on what others won’t.
    — Christina Pérez, Vogue, 17 July 2026
  • Its concluding images emphasise a clichéd concept of motherhood, as though to put a neat bow on what was in fact a more complex story of trust, patience and everyday courage.
    — Elena Lazic, Variety, 15 July 2026
Definition of courage
Noun
  • Player sales — which are planned for, are made on Newcastle’s terms and, where possible, at the point of maximum value — have become integral.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • Its previous generation was in high demand because of its value and quality, but its redesign takes everything up a notch as a bigger and bolder SUV.
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 17 July 2026
Definition of value
Noun
  • Also known as the money plant or honesty, lunaria (Lunaria annua) is an intriguing biennial that produces clusters of purple flowers during the first year of growth and silver, paper-like seed pods the second year, then dies.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2026
  • The honesty and objectivity of Stars and Stripes can’t be overemphasized.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 13 July 2026
Definition of honesty

Phrases Containing virtue

Browse Nearby Words

virtually
virtue
virtueless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Virtue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virtue. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on virtue

Nglish: Translation of virtue for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about virtue

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of stalwart

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
thumbnail graphic with text word of the day quiz
Weekly "Word of the Day" Quiz See how well you know each Word of the Day for Ju...
See All