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

Advertisement In interviews, DaCosta has talked about the pleasures of telling stories in which Black women behave badly, instead of being forced to serve as virtuous role models. —Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 22 Oct. 2025

These principles—however virtuous—do come with risks. —Adam Gale, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025

Yet his film, even in its omissions, brims with strategic ingenuity and daring, cinematic and political—to fight other films’ empty fantasies with substantial ones, to battle other advocates’ pernicious myths with virtuous ones. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2025

Literature is expansive, and creativity inspires more creativity, in an endless, virtuous cycle. —James Folta, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025