Synonyms of virtue

virtue

noun

ˈvər-(ˌ)chü 

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

• distinction
• advantage
• value
• merit
• excellence
• grace
• excellency
• cardinal virtue
• superiority
• edge
• plus

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deficiency
• defect
• failing
• fault
• flaw
• demerit
• disvalue
• blemish
• drawback
• minus
• negative

2

as in morality

conduct that conforms to an accepted standard of right and wrong

a lady of honor and virtue

Synonyms & Similar Words

• morality
• integrity
• honesty
• goodness
• character
• rightness
• honor
• ethics
• righteousness
• morals
• rectitude
• uprightness
• probity
• decency
• virtuousness
• incorruptibility
• fitness
• propriety
• scrupulousness
• etiquette
• appropriateness
• correctness
• decorum
• right-mindedness
• high-mindedness
• scrupulosity
• irreproachability
• seemliness
• irreproachableness
• decorousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• evil
• immorality
• wickedness
• sin
• badness
• villainy
• iniquity
• degradation
• evildoing
• impropriety
• perversion
• indiscretion
• indecorum
• indecency
• sinfulness
• depravity
• degeneracy
• dishonesty
• debauchery
• unscrupulousness
• meanness
• crookedness
• vileness
• viciousness
• corruption
• lowness
• pervertedness
• underhandedness

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

• heroism
• courage
• bravery
• gallantry
• courageousness
• prowess
• valor
• nerve
• fearlessness
• intrepidity
• stoutness
• daring
• hardihood
• heart
• intrepidness
• gutsiness
• fortitude
• dauntlessness
• daringness
• perseverance
• pecker
• guts
• bottle
• determination
• intestinal fortitude
• greatheartedness
• doughtiness
• stamina
• endurance
• grit
• moxie
• mettle
• backbone
• gumption
• temper
• tenacity
• resolution
• fiber
• pluck
• spunk
• boldness
• pluckiness
• audacity
• effrontery
• temerity
• stomach
• gall
• brazenness
• cheek
• cojones

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cowardice
• timidity
• cowardliness
• weakness
• spinelessness
• fearfulness
• softness
• feebleness
• timorousness
• faintheartedness
• cold feet
• impotence
• cravenness
• poltroonery
• dastardliness
• ineffectualness
• hesitation
• indecision
• irresolution
• mousiness
• indecisiveness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of virtue

Both women recognized that fully realizing the aspirations and talents of women and girls also requires valuing the virtues and qualities that men and boys contribute, in the private and public spheres. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Sep. 2026

Americans have conflicting sensibilities about the comparative virtues of investing money and paying down debt. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Which might make Trejo a somewhat unlikely spokesman for the virtues of America’s methadone clinic system. — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 26 Aug. 2026

Once it’s been rationalized and authorized by the government, even admired and cultivated as an expedient virtue, there’s no easy way to stop it. — David Shulman, The New York Review of Books, 26 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing virtue

• cardinal virtue
• woman of easy virtue