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

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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 As a producer, Farrell stressed a certain sensitivity so that the show didn’t come off as exploitative or overtly virtuous. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2026 Badly wounded in a battle of revenge, Robin Hood is brought to a priory and tended by Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer), whose generosity awakens his finer feelings and spurs him to virtuous, self-sacrificing action. — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 26 June 2026 Levenson highlights how the subtext of this attitude was that contracting a highly infectious disease was divine punishment for sin and that the only way to avoid disease was to live a virtuous life. — Diana Gitig, ArsTechnica, 30 May 2026 Some of those reasons or motives are virtuous, and some are not. — Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for virtuous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for virtuous

Adjective

Someone who lost their way despite their initial, honorable intentions.

— Andy Andersen, Vulture, 10 July 2026
Manliness is a touchy subject these days, but there was a time when honorable combat was respected above the mere running of one’s mouth.

— Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026

Definition of honorable

Adjective

Performance-enhancing uses also raise ethical considerations.

— Elaine Yu, CNBC, 11 July 2026
While guidelines provide oversight on the vetting, selection and usage of AI tools, governance provides the structural oversight that keeps AI aligned with business objectives, ethical standards and regulatory requirements.

— Scott Francis, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of ethical

Adjective

There’s a difference between a need-to-have and a nice-to-have, though, and both Murgio and Erman Ozguven agree there are good reasons to evacuate further than just a few miles inland.

— Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026
On nice days, customers can sit on the rooftop among the outdoor sculpture garden and their meals will be brought to their table.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 July 2026

Definition of nice

Adjective

This underscores how Apple's control over its devices, from hardware to software, limits true ownership and poses challenges for long-term digital preservation.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
If religion is corrupted by breaking down the wall of separation, much the same is true of the state.

— Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Definition of true

Adjective

From here, the Manchester City defender sprints into the six-yard box to meet the corner, forcing a good save from Dominik Livakovic, with his team-mates unable to scramble the ball over the line.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Graham, who had turned 71 just two days before passing away on Saturday night, was far younger than many of his Senate colleagues and appeared to have been in good health.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026

Definition of good

Adjective

That moral point also happens to be hard-nosed business logic.

— Raj Ananthanpillai, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
But what had happened was—because people like me had kept quiet in the name of coalition politics for so long, when the break came and when the moral test came, when Newtown came.

— David Frum, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

Definition of moral

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“Virtuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virtuous. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of virtuous

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