as in distinctions
a quality that gives something special worth
the virtue of wool as a clothing material is that it can provide insulation from the cold even when wet
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Recent Examples of virtues
Every wartime president extols the nation’s virtues.
—
Michael Kazin, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026
Through its characters, the book stages an argument about the virtues of various types of maps—those that are measured, those that are recollected, those that are dreamed.
—Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
There’s Mallory McMorrow, a moderate technocrat who preaches the virtues of reaching across the aisle and keeping her own party’s tent roomy.
—Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 29 May 2026
Well, take your picture of virtues for brave soldiers here, virtue itself being a word, while brave or bravery apparently didn’t fit.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
From Breakfast Casserole to Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, Southern Living readers know a thing or two about the virtues of a bake-it-and-take-it meal.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 23 May 2026
Poems commemorating Ḥusayn and his virtues are recited, and the assemblies of mourning conclude with rhythmic chest-beating accompanying the poetry.
—Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 May 2026
The three men's actions, Alexander said, embodied the virtues of Islamic community in San Diego.
—ABC News, 19 May 2026
One of the many virtues of the Old Colony Mennonite church is silence.
—Maria Giesbrecht, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
Michael Kazin, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026
Through its characters, the book stages an argument about the virtues of various types of maps—those that are measured, those that are recollected, those that are dreamed.
—Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
There’s Mallory McMorrow, a moderate technocrat who preaches the virtues of reaching across the aisle and keeping her own party’s tent roomy.
—Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 29 May 2026
Well, take your picture of virtues for brave soldiers here, virtue itself being a word, while brave or bravery apparently didn’t fit.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
From Breakfast Casserole to Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, Southern Living readers know a thing or two about the virtues of a bake-it-and-take-it meal.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 23 May 2026
Poems commemorating Ḥusayn and his virtues are recited, and the assemblies of mourning conclude with rhythmic chest-beating accompanying the poetry.
—Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 May 2026
The three men's actions, Alexander said, embodied the virtues of Islamic community in San Diego.
—ABC News, 19 May 2026
One of the many virtues of the Old Colony Mennonite church is silence.
—Maria Giesbrecht, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virtues
Noun
-
According to Keller, one of the most important distinctions people should understand is that policy memoranda do not independently change federal immigration law.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
-
Applying terrorism designations to criminal syndicates, Brazilian officials say, conflicts with domestic legal definitions and risks blurring distinctions underpinning international counterterrorism law.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
Navratilova was asked whether tennis’ biggest names get advantages that other players do not.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2026
-
Los Angeles offers unique advantages that few Olympic cities can match.—
Tim Genske,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
The company and its advocates would rather debate the merits of one particular study instead of [ShotSpotter parent company] SoundThinking's track record of evading evidence based accountability in Chicago.—
Asal Rezaei,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
-
There are merits to both approaches, but also considerable risks.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Forecast values calculated by CNBC.—
Elsa Ohlen,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
-
But now the collapse of values at the top has become untenable.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
America’s Game stands as a symbol of excellences and our great national sprit.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
20 Mar. 2026
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Developed and processed by its in-house team at its facilities in Roccapietra and Quarona, Italy, Loro Piana is ranking Royal Lightness among its consolidated excellences, such as The Gift of Kings.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Virtues.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virtues. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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