virtuous

adjective

ˈvər-chə-wəs How to pronounce virtuous (audio)
Definition of virtuousnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 But to see who has just this virtuous discretion, voters will need a touch of that wisdom themselves. —John Nemec, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025 This creates a virtuous cycle where better results justify higher rates, which attract better clients, which inspire even better service. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 This farm-to-table approach creates a virtuous cycle in the local economy. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 12 Apr. 2025 Since referrals are the top way small firms gain new business, this enhanced service generates more, creating a virtuous growth cycle. —Hunter Steele, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for virtuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virtuous
  1. honorable
  2. ethical
  3. honest
  4. nice
  5. true
  6. good
  7. moral
Adjective
  • The comparison with Lexus is honorable but not accurate.
    — Josh Max, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • We were honored because our parents were honorable.
    — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 19 May 2025
Definition of honorable
Adjective
  • The woman's family later filed a lawsuit against Willet and his organization, questioning the circumstances surrounding her death and the legal and ethical oversight — or lack thereof — in her use of the pod, per the outlets.
    — Christina Coulter, People.com, 3 June 2025
  • Skills like empathy, cultural understanding and ethical decision-making can’t be replicated by algorithms.
    — Braden Yuill, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Definition of ethical
Adjective
  • Players appreciated such an honest approach during the Euro 2022 campaign, which garnered mutual respect and trust.
    — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • So much of it feels like a fever dream, to be honest, being in Singapore.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 30 May 2025
Definition of honest
Adjective
  • Personally choosing to use less water is a nice start, but grander actions will be needed to effectively address the interrelated issues that drive the overuse of water.
    — Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Wilson completed a pass to Dee Eskridge, who made a nice one-handed catch with cornerback Kendall Sheffield in coverage.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
Definition of nice
Adjective
  • The formula for ‘true tackles’ is slightly more long-winded: tackles + challenges lost + fouls committed.
    — Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • The young man is at a crossroads between pursuing shallow, glitzy easy money, or being true to his emotional and artistic muses.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 27 May 2025
Definition of true
Adjective
  • The win was the fifth in a row for Detroit and 20th in its last 28 games, and raised its division-leading record to 35-21, good for a .655 winning percentage.
    — Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
  • Dealing with An Ex Dear Dealing: The last option – not addressing it – is your best bet.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025
Definition of good
Adjective
  • That recognized a moral responsibility to try to balance the scales, but the court no longer tries.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2025
  • By integrating care ethics into institutional frameworks, VSS can foster environments where individuals feel valued and connected, addressing the moral vocation of belonging in a world facing existential threats (registration required) like climate change.
    — Yujia Zhu, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of moral

Browse Nearby Words

virtuosos
virtuous
virtuously
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Virtuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virtuous. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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