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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 Your Mileage May Vary is an advice column offering you a new framework for thinking through your ethical dilemmas and philosophical questions. Sigal Samuel, Vox, 2 Apr. 2025 There also might be ethical concerns due to the use of salmon sperm. Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2025 Forbes reporters follow company ethical guidelines that ensure the highest quality. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 This is said to be the more ethical path, because A.I. will be crucial to any potential human survival. Jaron Lanier, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ethical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ethical
Adjective
  • Of course, Greg/Gary is an honorable guy who would never bankrupt Belinda to teach her a lesson about greed and blackmail.
    Jodi Guglielmi, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Some Union soldiers attended the event, and two Union officers delivered orations, each focusing on the topic of reconciliation between the honorable foes.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This accountability between sustainability initiatives and resilience among uncertainty is sparking more honest conversations, leading to more realistic goal setting and, ultimately, more meaningful progress.
    Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The album is raw, honest, and deeply personal—a sonic letter to women and their stories, both told and untold.
    Nour Ezzedine, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Company executives often frame the technology not just as a moral good, but a moral imperative—a way for humans, who have driven so many species to the brink of extinction, to get square with nature.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 7 Apr. 2025
  • While Democratic lawmakers such as Senator Cory Booker, Congressman Tom Suozzi, Congressman Seth Moulton, and Senator Chris Murphy are urging their party to at least defer to the states on the issue, they’re motivated by political urgency, not a moral commitment to truth.
    Caroline Downey, National Review, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Voters are not famous for their patience or, as Joe Biden could explain, their fondness for higher prices, something that’s true even if this is a one-off adjustment.
    The Editors, National Review, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The same is true for picking up concertgoers after the show.
    Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Further back, Kimi Antonelli in sixth impressed in his Mercedes, setting the fastest lap of the race, while home favorite Yuki Tsunoda fought through to a respectable P12 in his first race for Red Bull.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The twin-size Premier Hybrid is the only size currently $100 less, but the queen starts at a respectable $999, while the king starts at $1,199.
    Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That dissonance is a function of how eating less meat has been wrapped in a conscientious and moral sheen.
    Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Emily is a conscientious worker who is constantly evaluating her performance and setting ever higher goals.
    Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In this chicken noodle casserole, the pasta is perfectly cooked and creamy, with bits of chicken adding a nice bite and different texture.
    Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The physical edition even includes a full-color manual like the good old days, which is a nice touch.
    David Jagneaux, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • After a week full of monstrous swings, the S&P 500 posted its best weekly performance since November 23, while the Nasdaq saw its best week since November 2022, according to the financial data firm FactSet.
    Anne Marie Drummond Lee, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Shorts are the only categories whose winners are ineligible for best picture, acting, screenplay or any other major Oscar, due to their length.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ethical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ethical. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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