VIRTUOUS Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

virtuous

adjective

ˈvər-chə-wəs

Definition of virtuous

as in honorable

conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue virtuous behavior is its own reward

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 virtuous Expanding properties beyond video games then creates a virtuous cycle, Xbox says. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026 Jang, meanwhile, begins the show as a brilliant and impeccably virtuous prosecutor who simply wants to serve his country and expunge the drug trade. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026 All this creates a virtuous flywheel where more use of AI agents creates more demand for Dell’s servers, and vice versa. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026 In fact, in this retelling, their free will and autonomy are essential elements of that virtuous cycle, rather than subjugated by it. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for virtuous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for virtuous

Adjective

Younger and middle-aged elites are also less inclined to put up with the careers and sacrifices the state has historically presented as honorable.

— Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026
Drawing district lines to effectively disenfranchise voters and ensure a seat in Congress for some partisan hack was a dark-of-night sort of thing that the public hated, not an honorable practice for upstanding citizens.

— J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of honorable

Adjective

Milei has also embraced data centers and a largely unfettered approach to artificial intelligence regulation, while Pope Leo's inaugural encyclical called for ethical caution and safeguards to protect human dignity in the age of AI.

— Carrie Kahn, NPR, 7 Nov. 2026
Lawyers are officers of the court, bound by ethical obligations to pursue claims in good faith and not abuse the legal process for improper purposes.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of ethical

Adjective

Keeping a running list of questions that go beyond the scope of what the agent was built to handle functions as an honest product roadmap.

— Rob Green, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
And when side effects feel unbearable, patients deserve honest conversations about their options.

— Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of honest

Adjective

What to do nearby Upon arrival, one of the very helpful receptionists will mark up a map with nearby sites, beaches, and restaurants worth visiting in the area and explain the best way to walk or bike there—a nice personal touch.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
This puts a nice button on Gabe preferring to get Star Baker over a handshake.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of nice

Adjective

The backstory Kromo is the first hotel in Thailand under the Curio Collection by Hilton, a brand known for its independent boutique hotels that stay true to their local identity.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
Gentile’s feature directorial debut, American Murderer, was a true-crime thriller starring Tom Pelphrey, Ryan Phillippe, Idina Menzel, and Jacki Weaver.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of true

Adjective

One in five American adults has had an intimate encounter with AI, according to an MIT study, increasing the risk that some users believe AI is conscious and advocating for rights or moral status.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
That working class people live with paucity of choice, and of chances, may be considered from the outside as a moral and social ill to be reckoned with, but Betty correctly sees that this is the fact of her life and behaves and thinks accordingly.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of moral

Browse Nearby Words

virtuosos

virtuous

virtuously

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“Virtuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virtuous. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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