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

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 This farm-to-table approach creates a virtuous cycle in the local economy. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 12 Apr. 2025 Since referrals are the top way small firms gain new business, this enhanced service generates more, creating a virtuous growth cycle. Hunter Steele, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 This virtuous cycle where the success of French cinema directly fuels new productions at every stage, makes France an attractive partner for producers worldwide looking to finance ambitious documentary projects. Lise Pedersen, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025 The results have been startling and that over-performance is described by the many players who have been part of it — who typically arrived unknown and undervalued, and departed for big sums that kept the virtuous cycle spinning forward. Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for virtuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virtuous
Adjective
  • After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Quang enjoyed a successful pharmaceutical sales stint as a top producer for Astra/Merck and then Genentech.
    Quang X. Pham, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Instead, most of Bernadette’s assumptions — that working the border is an honorable act, or that a federal position will imbue her with more authority, or that all Native people will have the same opinions and the same goals — are upended over the course of the season.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Some question whether the interest in crime content is ethical, but Golub said there are a lot of different reasons people are interested.
    Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 10 May 2025
  • However, that price reflects the cost of ethical production.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Comforting touch should be honest and clear – not ambiguous, not tentative and never assumed.
    Brian N. Chin, The Conversation, 16 May 2025
  • Log in Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.
    Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • While the formula played nice with the sensitive skin on our tester’s hairline, its toning effects only lasted a few days.
    Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 16 May 2025
  • But anyone hoping to hit the open road needs to know one thing: some drivers just aren't very nice, especially in certain states.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Johnny King Buck In 2006, Wisconsin deer hunter Johnny King shot what some folks believe is the true world-record typical whitetail.
    Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 15 May 2025
  • The coloration of light in this image does not depict a true optical rainbow as would be seen by the naked eye, but rather a colored representation of different wavelengths of light that highlight the instrument's capability to analyze various components of the solar atmosphere.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • The film topped Entertainment Weekly's 2022 list of Tom Cruise-starring projects ranked by grade, and came in just behind Born on the Fourth of July as containing Cruise's all-time best screen performance.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 19 May 2025
  • The news comes on the heels of THR’s 58 SoCal Journalism Awards nominations, including best website and three journalist of the year noms.
    THR Staff, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Why? Chemically, a gambling addiction functions the same way as a substance addiction, but a lot of people incorrectly see it as a moral failing or lack of self control, according to Cait Huble, of the National Council on Problem Gambling.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Diversity, equity and inclusion is both a moral good and also a business imperative for nearly every kind of space.
    Marianne Schnall, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Virtuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virtuous. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on virtuous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!