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 For Monday meditation, the teaching group has assigned the 10 paramis (spiritual virtues) of Buddhism, which explore topics like generosity, wisdom and patience. — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 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 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 robot’s withdrawal also prompted discussion about the distinction between demonstrating mobility and sustaining it under demanding conditions.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The distinction matters because, under New York law, falsifying business records isn’t a felony unless it’s done with an intent to commit or conceal a separate crime.
    — Jennifer Peltz, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of distinction
Noun
  • Indeed, Morgenthau had less tolerance for those who failed to reconcile power with morality than for those who underestimated power’s importance.
    — David Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The horrors of the atomic bomb, America’s culpability and relation to postwar Japan, and the morality of revenge are major themes in Minus Zero.
    — James Grebey, Vulture, 5 Nov. 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
  • For the night, Orlando held a 24-3 advantage in offensive rebounding, which led to extra scoring chances.
    — Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Obviously, Republicans engaged in this rare mid-decade redistricting in an attempt to try to gain political advantage in the House.
    — NBC news, NBC news, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of advantage
Noun
  • Our team is working across Mississippi to monitor the remaining ballots and protect the integrity of the process.
    — BILL BARROW, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
  • However, Israel’s Central Elections Committee said the integrity of the election had not been compromised, according to Reuters on November 5.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of integrity
Noun
  • Councilmember Raman stepped up with courage and grace to take on the status quo.
    — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Students must also learn honest history, including the consequences of war, the dangers of propaganda and dehumanization and the courage of those who chose compassion over hatred.
    — Joanie Schirm, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of courage
Noun
  • Our fashion choices say much about our values, identity, and aspirations.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Cesar-Nuñez, whose practice is based in Pasadena, noted that traditional Latino cultural values like emphasis on family and reputation can serve as deterrents for seeking therapy or other help.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of value
Noun
  • But both share a simple honesty and embrace the utilitarian rather than making any pretentious claims to luxury.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 4 Nov. 2026
  • It is not armed with superior wit or honesty, but with superior physical strength.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 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 11 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on virtue

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about virtue

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