Synonyms of virtuous

virtuous

adjective

ˈvər-chə-wəs 

as in honorable

conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue

virtuous behavior is its own reward

Synonyms & Similar Words

• honorable
• ethical
• honest
• nice
• true
• good
• moral
• noble
• decent
• righteous
• worthy
• upright
• respected
• right
• straight
• all right
• right-minded
• just
• correct
• proper
• decorous
• exemplary
• innocent
• pure
• legitimate
• seemly
• principled
• commendable
• creditable
• high-minded
• blameless
• irreproachable
• incorruptible
• guiltless
• reputable
• unobjectionable
• esteemed
• clean
• inoffensive
• scrupulous
• angelic
• moralistic
• immaculate
• upstanding
• sanctimonious
• uncorrupted
• law-abiding
• spotless
• angelical
• unerring
• incorrupt
• menschy
• self-righteous
• goody-goody
• pharisaical
• lily-white
• incorrupted
• rectitudinous

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• evil
• sinful
• immoral
• wicked
• bad
• wrong
• dishonest
• dishonorable
• unethical
• indecent
• unrighteous
• improper
• corrupt
• unseemly
• naughty
• depraved
• dissolute
• unbecoming
• incorrect
• degenerate
• perverted
• unscrupulous
• debased
• indecorous
• debauched
• unprincipled
• villainous
• evil-minded
• vicious
• vile
• libertine
• atrocious
• low
• infamous
• mean
• objectionable
• base
• blameworthy
• offensive
• reprobate
• nefarious
• iniquitous
• fallen
• erring
• errant

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

Recent Examples of virtuous

The profit that follows from this virtuous cycle proves far more resilient than anything gained through short-term extraction. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025

Meanwhile, the virtuous, near-immortal elves of Lothlórien are depicted living peacefully in a realm of lush flora and elaborate tree-houses. —Ellen Walker, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2025

Given the differing capabilities of doctors and CheXpert, there was potential for virtuous collaboration. —David Autor, The Atlantic, 24 Aug. 2025

Jefferson thought America’s true calling was to be an agrarian nation, for virtuous and independent farmers would also be perfect citizens. —Doug Sackman, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2025