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

When staff are motivated, patients notice, and this leads to higher satisfaction scores and more positive reviews—creating a virtuous cycle of growth for the practice. —Sacha Obaid, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025

This leads them to strive to inspire others, creating a virtuous cycle that perpetually increases engagement, a sense of purpose, and more. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 3 June 2025

Although virtuous in its intent, by mandating the public disclosure of campus crime statistics, the law can incentivize underreporting. —Kevin Mullins, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025

In a virtuous friendship, each individual helps the other become better versions of themselves through encouragement, moral guidance and support. —Gregg D. Caruso, The Conversation, 21 May 2025