Synonyms of virtuous

virtuous

adjective

ˈvər-chə-wəs 

as in honorable

conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue

virtuous behavior is its own reward

Synonyms & Similar Words

• honorable
• ethical
• honest
• nice
• true
• good
• moral
• noble
• decent
• righteous
• worthy
• upright
• respected
• right
• straight
• all right
• right-minded
• just
• correct
• proper
• decorous
• exemplary
• innocent
• pure
• legitimate
• seemly
• principled
• commendable
• creditable
• high-minded
• blameless
• irreproachable
• incorruptible
• guiltless
• unobjectionable
• reputable
• esteemed
• clean
• inoffensive
• scrupulous
• angelic
• moralistic
• immaculate
• upstanding
• sanctimonious
• uncorrupted
• law-abiding
• spotless
• unerring
• incorrupt
• menschy
• self-righteous
• goody-goody
• pharisaical
• lily-white
• rectitudinous

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• evil
• sinful
• immoral
• wicked
• bad
• wrong
• dishonest
• dishonorable
• unethical
• indecent
• unrighteous
• improper
• corrupt
• unseemly
• naughty
• depraved
• dissolute
• unbecoming
• incorrect
• degenerate
• perverted
• unscrupulous
• debased
• indecorous
• debauched
• unprincipled
• villainous
• evil-minded
• vicious
• vile
• libertine
• atrocious
• low
• infamous
• mean
• objectionable
• base
• blameworthy
• offensive
• reprobate
• nefarious
• iniquitous
• fallen
• erring
• errant

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective virtuous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of virtuous are ethical, moral, noble, and righteous. While all these words mean "conforming to a standard of what is right and good," virtuous implies moral excellence in character.

not a religious person, but virtuous nevertheless

In what contexts can ethical take the place of virtuous?

While in some cases nearly identical to virtuous, ethical may suggest the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity.

committed to the highest ethical principles

When could moral be used to replace virtuous?

While the synonyms moral and virtuous are close in meaning, moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong.

the basic moral values of a community

When can noble be used instead of virtuous?

In some situations, the words noble and virtuous are roughly equivalent. However, noble implies moral eminence and freedom from anything petty, mean, or dubious in conduct and character.

had the noblest of reasons for seeking office

Where would righteous be a reasonable alternative to virtuous?

Although the words righteous and virtuous have much in common, righteous stresses guiltlessness or blamelessness and often suggests the sanctimonious.

wished to be righteous before God and the world

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of virtuous

Being authentic, a virtuous behavior associated with the character dimension of integrity, can manifest as being fake or inauthentic when deficient, but uncompromising in excess. —Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Together, these factors create a virtuous cycle of sorts. —Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2026

Meanwhile, the Netflix transaction’s complexity and exposure to market and regulatory risk have been treated as manageable—or even virtuous. —Mark Desjardine, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026

Both Partida and Reed are examples of how supporting those most in need can lead to a virtuous cycle of those who find stability giving back, maintains Davis. —Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 21 Dec. 2025