as in distinctions
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
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 virtues
Sharon had submitted a dozen couplets about the virtues of stay-at-home motherhood, as well as a rhyming list of reasons to believe in God.
—
Literary Hub, 11 May 2026
One of the many virtues of the Old Colony Mennonite church is silence.
—Maria Giesbrecht, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
Even as Columbus was sailing the ocean blue, many of the world's top scientists and writers were still extolling the virtues of an ancient ranking system known as the Great Chain of Being.
—Ryan Huling, Time, 7 May 2026
Choose to act from one aspect of your values, character, essence, or virtues.
—Big Think, 4 May 2026
During a March school board meeting, Nicky Smit — a staff member at Sandburg High School — extolled the virtues of foreign language learning and pressed the district to add Arabic language courses.
—Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
If Mickelson was cast as the chief antagonist, Rory McIlroy emerged as the protagonist, the white knight extolling the virtues of the Tour and the golfing establishment.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
Stedman offers a heartfelt homage to the virtues of rural community and the natural beauty unique to Western Australia, as well as a critique of the strictures and dangers inherent in small-minded communities.
—The Know, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
However, Steve Evans, owner of Memphis Maids, extolls the virtues of regularly cleaning above and around your cabinetry.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 25 Apr. 2026
Literary Hub, 11 May 2026
One of the many virtues of the Old Colony Mennonite church is silence.
—Maria Giesbrecht, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
Even as Columbus was sailing the ocean blue, many of the world's top scientists and writers were still extolling the virtues of an ancient ranking system known as the Great Chain of Being.
—Ryan Huling, Time, 7 May 2026
Choose to act from one aspect of your values, character, essence, or virtues.
—Big Think, 4 May 2026
During a March school board meeting, Nicky Smit — a staff member at Sandburg High School — extolled the virtues of foreign language learning and pressed the district to add Arabic language courses.
—Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
If Mickelson was cast as the chief antagonist, Rory McIlroy emerged as the protagonist, the white knight extolling the virtues of the Tour and the golfing establishment.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
Stedman offers a heartfelt homage to the virtues of rural community and the natural beauty unique to Western Australia, as well as a critique of the strictures and dangers inherent in small-minded communities.
—The Know, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
However, Steve Evans, owner of Memphis Maids, extolls the virtues of regularly cleaning above and around your cabinetry.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 25 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virtues
Noun
-
As missile strikes, drone attacks and maritime disruptions linked to Iran ripple across the region, insurers and policyholders are scrutinizing how those distinctions hold up in practice.—
Contessa Brewer,Dawn Giel,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
-
Its star, Louise Lasser, graced the covers of People, Newsweek, and TV Guide, back when those distinctions really meant something.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Reykjanes also offers practical advantages, not least its proximity to Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
-
Nowhere demonstrates the advantages of chartering more clearly than the French Riviera.—
Rachel Ingram,
Robb Report,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
That framing is defensible on the merits.—
Zennon Kapron,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
-
The nine-person jury did not rule on the merits of Musk’s complaint that OpenAI violated its original nonprofit structure by evolving into a for-profit corporation.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
On the drive, the passing billboards become a kind of surreal distillation of American values.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
-
These pieces showcase cultural narratives, stories, and values, expressing something about human life that only the best art can.—
Hannah Coates,
Vogue,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
America’s Game stands as a symbol of excellences and our great national sprit.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Developed and processed by its in-house team at its facilities in Roccapietra and Quarona, Italy, Loro Piana is ranking Royal Lightness among its consolidated excellences, such as The Gift of Kings.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Virtues.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virtues. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
