VIRTUOUS Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

virtuous

adjective

ˈvər-chə-wəs

Definition of virtuous next

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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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

Examples 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 This will drive a virtuous cycle, as AI agent interactions will not seem like they have been handed off to an untrained intern but rather to someone who knows all and only what they are supposed to know. —

Ray Ravaglia, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024 Rather than treating Trump as a malign interloper to a virtuous establishment, Democrats should oppose him as the manifestation of a corrupt, self-enriching, oligarchic global elite. —

Ben Rhodes, Foreign Affairs, 13 Dec. 2024 If this is all sounding a bit too virtuous to you, consider this: some models also have settings for cake. —

Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 2 Dec. 2024 All of this is to say—with a little bit of amusement and a lot of (virtuous!) empathy—that humans respond to tragedy personally. —

Hazlitt, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for virtuous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for virtuous

Adjective

Booker previously served in the United States Army but was removed from the military with a less than honorable discharge after going AWOL in 2017, Fox 2 Detroit reported, citing court documents.

— Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 14 Jan. 2025
Captain Dellinger of the US Army is an honorable man who only seeks the truth, and whose writing is filled with hope for a better future.

— Erik Kain, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025