MORAL Synonyms: 162 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of moral are ethical , noble , righteous , and virtuous . While all these words mean "conforming to a standard of what is right and good," moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong. // the basic moral values of a community

Q: When is 'ethical' a more appropriate choice than 'moral'?

The synonyms ethical and moral are sometimes interchangeable, but ethical may suggest the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity. // committed to the highest ethical principles

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

Although the words noble and moral have much in common, 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: In what contexts can 'righteous' take the place of 'moral'?

In some situations, the words righteous and moral are roughly equivalent. However, righteous stresses guiltlessness or blamelessness and often suggests the sanctimonious. // wished to be righteous before God and the world

Q: When could 'virtuous' be used to replace 'moral'?

While the synonyms virtuous and moral are close in meaning, virtuous implies moral excellence in character. // not a religious person, but virtuous nevertheless

moral 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmȯr-əl

Definition of moral next

as in ethical

conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue the kind of moral behavior that is expected of everyone in the parish's youth organization

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in honorable

guided by or in accordance with one's sense of right and wrong a moral decision to refrain from sexual relations until after marriage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

moral

2 of 2

noun

as in principle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective moral differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of moral are ethical, noble, righteous, and virtuous. While all these words mean "conforming to a standard of what is right and good," moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong.

the basic moral values of a community

When is ethical a more appropriate choice than moral?

The synonyms ethical and moral are sometimes interchangeable, but ethical may suggest the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity.

committed to the highest ethical principles

When might noble be a better fit than moral?

Although the words noble and moral have much in common, noble implies moral eminence and freedom from anything petty, mean, or dubious in conduct and character.

had the noblest of reasons for seeking office

In what contexts can righteous take the place of moral?

In some situations, the words righteous and moral are roughly equivalent. However, righteous stresses guiltlessness or blamelessness and often suggests the sanctimonious.

wished to be righteous before God and the world

When could virtuous be used to replace moral?

While the synonyms virtuous and moral are close in meaning, virtuous implies moral excellence in character.

not a religious person, but virtuous nevertheless

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of moral

Adjective

Feldman’s last show had a perfect mix of characters with gray moral centers, enough twists and turns to keep you invested, and enough edge and humor that the heartfelt moments never felt overly saccharine. —

Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024 There cannot be this false moral equivalence in our discourse. —

Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

Noun

Tamara Johnson, 37, of Waterbury turned herself in last Thursday on one felony count of risk of injury to a minor/impairing the morals of a minor, according to the Meriden Police Department. —

Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 Nov. 2024 While the first two dietary restrictions are based on my own morals and ethics, the latter is mostly due to the fact that dairy isn’t all that great for skin, according to dermatologists. —

Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for moral

Recent Examples of Synonyms for moral

Adjective

While philanthropy’s core lies in ethical values, Vincent enriches traditional strategies with a critical outlook.

Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
However, economic factors such as inflation and the rising cost of living are impacting Gen Z’s holiday spending, with many seeking deals and exclusive discounts while still prioritizing ethical choices.

Nandan Sheth, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024