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 next

as in honorable

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

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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

Examples 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 If this is all sounding a bit too virtuous to you, consider this: some models also have settings for cake. —

Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 2 Dec. 2024 All of this is to say—with a little bit of amusement and a lot of (virtuous!) empathy—that humans respond to tragedy personally. —

Hazlitt, 23 Oct. 2024 This foundation not only revolutionized the company’s entry into banking but also established a virtuous cycle where better data drives better analytics, which in turn enhances customer interactions and generates more data. —

Peter High, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 However, Trump’s unorthodox public health nominations – led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for HHS, who has questioned the efficacy of vaccines – is poised to disrupt this virtuous cycle. —

Steven Tian, Hartford Courant, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for virtuous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for virtuous

Adjective

And for those who were denied an honorable discharge, the Pentagon would commit to a streamlined upgrade review process.

Matthew Mosk, CBS News, 6 Jan. 2025
Brienne of Tarth The most honorable knight in Westeros doesn't have a bad bone in her body.

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025