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 In an ideal exit, all parties create a virtuous cycle of candor and trust.... Leadership transitions are pivotal moments. Harvard Business Review, 24 Sep. 2025 Thanks to Julia's solution, Ellen passes her test and is declared a virtuous woman (but not before being completely violated in full view of her fiancé and her brothers). Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Sep. 2025 This interplay between domestic and foreign capital is creating a virtuous cycle. Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025 The profit that follows from this virtuous cycle proves far more resilient than anything gained through short-term extraction. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for virtuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virtuous
Adjective
  • This person has brought shame and disgrace to the badge and to an honorable profession.
    Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The honorable profession of arms is not built on Rambo politics.
    Loree Sutton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Of course, the idea of having an AI board member opens up a host of thorny ethical issues.
    Lee Clifford, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Notwithstanding this criticism, though, there is still a growing view within Delhi that foreign policy should be pragmatic and driven by interests rather than ethical considerations.
    Happymon Jacob, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Let’s be honest—doing things alone can feel awkward at first.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 13 Oct. 2025
  • To be honest, the whole setup sounds exhausting.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This one, for example, has fun detailing on the sleeves and a nice roomy fit that looks as comfortable as a sweatshirt.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Bills come due, eventually, in every sense, though reported name, image and likeness earnings nearing $2 million at Utah are a nice buffer.
    Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The same is true of modern warfare.
    Big Think, Big Think, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Mathis has been a terror for opposing quarterbacks alongside teammate and fellow true freshman Sidney Stewart.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Running back Chase Brown had his best game of the year on the ground, rushing for 108 yards on just 11 carries against the Pittsburgh defense.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Arkansas’ best offense in a decade is being wasted by a defense that is shaping up to be one of the worst in program history.
    Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • From poverty and inequality to political polarization and misinformation, Kristof explores how truth, empathy and moral courage can guide us toward a more just and compassionate society.
    David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Kennedy has managed to bridge three specific tendencies—toward fiscal conservatism, social liberalism, and a belief that improving societal health is a moral imperative—and present them as one overarching ideology.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Virtuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virtuous. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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