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

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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

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 virtuous Being authentic, a virtuous behavior associated with the character dimension of integrity, can manifest as being fake or inauthentic when deficient, but uncompromising in excess. —

Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026 Together, these factors create a virtuous cycle of sorts. —

Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2026 Meanwhile, the Netflix transaction’s complexity and exposure to market and regulatory risk have been treated as manageable—or even virtuous. —

Mark Desjardine, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026 Both Partida and Reed are examples of how supporting those most in need can lead to a virtuous cycle of those who find stability giving back, maintains Davis. —

Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 21 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for virtuous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for virtuous

Adjective

Though the art that first spoke to me was honest and honorable depictions of Black life, I have since been inspired, gutted and changed by artists from all walks of life.

— Anya Sesay, jsonline.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Democratic Congressman Mike Thompson called LaMalfa an honorable public servant and recounted the two working together to deliver help for wildfire victims.

— Steve Large, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026

Definition of honorable

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virtuosos

virtuous

virtuously

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“Virtuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virtuous. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of virtuous

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