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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in honest

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in excellent

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 righteous The spotlight has shown light on the big, bad wolves on the other end of those chats, yet the spotlight itself has perverted the process of real justice by making this a righteous spectacle. —

David Fear, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 2025 Psychological probing was never on the agenda: The slick, righteous pull of the episodes stands in stark contrast to remarkable, untelevised raw footage that Osit has uncovered of police rather more temperately interrogating the show’s targets after the initial capture. —

Guy Lodge, Variety, 26 Jan. 2025 With the tip drama over, brace your necks for some whiplash, because Chase and Gary’s moral positions as righteous angel and careless daredevil suddenly flip-flop. —

Emma Soren, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2025 Save your frustration and your fountain of knowledge for those few times when righteous anger is warranted or an explanation is solicited. —

Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for righteous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for righteous

Adjective

Their legacy and honorable service to our Nation will forever remain.

— Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025
This only further confirmed to me that Justin and Wayfarer are exceedingly honorable and highly ethical.

— Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 23 Jan. 2025