RIGHTEOUS Synonyms: 271 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'righteous' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of righteous are ethical , moral , noble , and virtuous . While all these words mean "conforming to a standard of what is right and good," righteous stresses guiltlessness or blamelessness and often suggests the sanctimonious. // wished to be righteous before God and the world

Q: Where would 'ethical' be a reasonable alternative to 'righteous'?

The meanings of ethical and righteous largely overlap; however, ethical may suggest the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity. // committed to the highest ethical principles

Q: When would 'moral' be a good substitute for 'righteous'?

Although the words moral and righteous have much in common, moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong. // the basic moral values of a community

Q: When might 'noble' be a better fit than 'righteous'?

While the synonyms noble and righteous are close in meaning, 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: When could 'virtuous' be used to replace 'righteous'?

While in some cases nearly identical to righteous , virtuous implies moral excellence in character. // not a religious person, but virtuous nevertheless

righteous

adjective

ˈrī-chəs

Definition of righteous next

as in honorable

conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue a righteous man can be trusted to act honorably regardless of the circumstances

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in honest

following the accepted rules of moral conduct righteous behavior is its own reward

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in excellent

slang of the very best kind a nightspot that's a dependable venue for righteous jazz

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective righteous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of righteous are ethical, moral, noble, and virtuous. While all these words mean "conforming to a standard of what is right and good," righteous stresses guiltlessness or blamelessness and often suggests the sanctimonious.

wished to be righteous before God and the world

Where would ethical be a reasonable alternative to righteous?

The meanings of ethical and righteous largely overlap; however, ethical may suggest the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity.

committed to the highest ethical principles

When would moral be a good substitute for righteous?

Although the words moral and righteous have much in common, moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong.

the basic moral values of a community

When might noble be a better fit than righteous?

While the synonyms noble and righteous are close in meaning, noble implies moral eminence and freedom from anything petty, mean, or dubious in conduct and character.

had the noblest of reasons for seeking office

When could virtuous be used to replace righteous?

While in some cases nearly identical to righteous, virtuous implies moral excellence in character.

not a religious person, but virtuous nevertheless

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 righteous Even the most righteous among us are simply human, Conclave points out. —

Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2024 Young people, in general, are particularly attuned to hypocrisies, which, in turn, kick up a sometimes errant, but oftentimes righteous, desire to rage against the machine. —

Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2024 In one moment of therapeutic solidarity, Casiano smiles recounting the articulate, righteous testimony of co-plaintiff Austin Dennard, an OB-GYN herself who as a patient left the state to terminate her pregnancy following a risk-laden diagnosis. —

Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024 As such, Marlene embodies an audacious new archetype—and a righteous call for philanthropy in service of justice, not merely generosity. —

Darren Walker, TIME, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for righteous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for righteous

Adjective

Do something honorable or help a cause that touches your heart.

Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
Friendly’s: All veterans who dine in get a free All American Burger with cheese and a beverage on Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (show military ID or honorable discharge document to get the deal).

Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 10 Nov. 2024