virtues

noun

plural of virtue
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

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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 virtues What unites these seemingly disparate topics is Wilson’s knack for putting himself into scenarios with unusual people that lead him into unexpected territory—a lesson in the virtues of simple observation. — Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026 Unused Electronics Pope extols the virtues of clearing your house of all useless electronics. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 16 Sep. 2026 The Christian blogger Phylicia Masonheimer has extolled the virtues of lingerie showers. — Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026 When late summer rolls around, Taylor Fritz joins a chorus of Americans in extoling the virtues of hard courts and talking about how the North American swing is his favorite time of year. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 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 And ads paid for by the prediction market and gambling industries don’t tout the virtues of those industries. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virtues
  1. distinctions
  2. advantages
  3. merits
  4. values
  5. excellences
Noun
  • How a blood pressure wearable actually works Not every device on your wrist does the same thing, and for anyone weighing a switch from an arm cuff, the distinctions are critical.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026
  • For the first time this season, Kyle Larson heads to Kansas Speedway with two specific distinctions.
    — Reid Spencer, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of distinctions
Noun
  • The main advantages of a pop-top like this one are to create more headroom inside a vehicle that rides low and to add space for a second bed.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Even American firms, from Airbnb and DoorDash to Shopify, have embraced Chinese models, tapping into the advantages of open systems, including lower costs and greater flexibility for customization.
    — John Liu, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of advantages
Noun
  • Active stock pickers must instead consider the merits of each holding against the prospect of higher rates.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Even presidential hopeful Flávio Bolsonaro avoided criticizing the merits of the decision.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of merits
Noun
  • Our responsibility is to provide accurate medical information, compassionate counseling and the full range of medically reasonable options so patients can make informed decisions consistent with their values.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Sayegh also puts her staying power down to her father’s influence, which instilled core values like honoring deals, treating people with respect and booking movies based on audience demand and not personal taste.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of values
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
Definition of excellences

Browse Nearby Words

virtueless
virtues
virtuosic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Virtues.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virtues. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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