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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 More spending would create a virtuous cycle that benefits also stocks, Wang said. —

Russell Flannery, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 And Silicon Valley, in this story line, is the home of virtuous superheroes. —

Charles Duhigg, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024 The faithful, virtuous rough collie was made famous by Eric Knight's 1940 novel Lassie Come-Home. —

Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 18 Sep. 2024 Over time, access to cheap green technologies will likely activate a virtuous process of domestic innovation in areas where the country has a true comparative advantage. —

Edoardo Campanella, Foreign Affairs, 25 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for virtuous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for virtuous

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