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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ethical differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ethical are moral, noble, righteous, and virtuous. While all these words mean "conforming to a standard of what is right and good," ethical may suggest the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity.

committed to the highest ethical principles

When is moral a more appropriate choice than ethical?

The meanings of moral and ethical largely overlap; however, moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong.

the basic moral values of a community

When would noble be a good substitute for ethical?

Although the words noble and ethical have much in common, 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 is it sensible to use righteous instead of ethical?

The words righteous and ethical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, righteous stresses guiltlessness or blamelessness and often suggests the sanctimonious.

wished to be righteous before God and the world

When might virtuous be a better fit than ethical?

While the synonyms virtuous and ethical are close in meaning, 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 ethical Impeachment of federal judges has been historically rare and reserved for cases involving criminal misconduct or ethical violations, not policy disagreements. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025 Other proposals Apple shareholders also shot down outside proposals to create reports on the company’s ethical AI data usage, the costs and benefits of different approaches to fight child exploitation and charitable giving. Kif Leswing, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2025 Danson then questioned whether Harper — The Good Place’s ethical and indecisive Chidi — and Bell kissed. Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 24 Feb. 2025 Unlike material assets that can be transported across borders, embryos are subject to strict regulations, and international relocation often involves significant legal, medical and ethical hurdles. Andrew Rader, Sun Sentinel, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ethical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ethical
Adjective
  • After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Quang enjoyed a successful pharmaceutical sales stint as a top producer for Astra/Merck and then Genentech.
    Quang X. Pham, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • This courageous display helped convince the West that providing Ukraine arms aid was honorable and beneficial.
    Ihor N. Stelmach, Hartford Courant, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Without fair elections, an honest media environment and a credible opposition, voters can’t correct their country’s course at the ballot box, providing competitive authoritarian regimes little incentive to do anything but enrich themselves.
    Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025
  • But to be honest the significant immune support is more than enough to keep me taking it.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Jerrold’s accompanying text is much more strident, decrying the moral failings that lead to imprisonment and waxing dubious on the value of prison reform, rehabilitation efforts, and charity.
    Sarah C. Schaefer, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Yet in a time of moral urgency for so many groups but especially Jews, antisemites are getting louder while those who would defend Jews are getting quieter.
    Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • These actions have been saving lives and driving true culture change, creating a safer future for everyone.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 4 Mar. 2025
  • That’s true, however, what this risk assessment request by the governor does do is put the whole matter in Newsom’s hands, despite the resentencing hearing set for later in March.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Kyle Palmieri and Alexander Romanov scored the two goals for the Islanders, who now sport a respectable 13-12-5 away record.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The 7-6 Hurricanes finished in the bottom half of the ACC and averaged a respectable 31.5 points per game.
    C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Mowery recently launched Azure Road, a new culinary, travel, and lifestyle publication for conscientious consumers.
    Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • If the exemption is granted based on religious or personal belief, it is called a conscientious exemption.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The ability to use either an AA or AAA battery is a nice touch, giving you options for weight and battery life.
    Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Why is the knee-jerk reaction to say something horrible rather than to say something nice?
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The ‘90s was good to the magazine industry for the most part.
    Rachel Burchfield, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Although their relationship shifted over the years, Colby recalled his mom always having his best interest at heart during the early years of his childhood.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ethical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ethical. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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