Definition of ethicalnext
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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 The technology generated global attention for its ethical implications and potential risks. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 24 June 2026 The sheriff said the agency remains committed to transparency, professionalism and ethical standards. Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 23 June 2026 Bores, a former Palantir employee who cited ethical concerns in leaving the company, pushed one of the more sweeping state-level AI regulation bills in the country. ABC News, 23 June 2026 The chaos in Ithaca may be political and ethical—a violation of custom—but stretches of the poem are barbarous and wild, beyond civilized life altogether. David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ethical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ethical
Adjective
  • Manliness is a touchy subject these days, but there was a time when honorable combat was respected above the mere running of one’s mouth.
    Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
  • And Florida passed only because one player made the honorable decision.
    David Mica, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • September 23 – October 22 Where can balance invite honest progress?
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026
  • Let’s be honest, flip-flops aren’t known for their support—but somehow, these under-$20 sandals have racked up hundreds of five-star reviews raving about their comfort.
    Genevieve Cepeda, InStyle, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Vatican prioritizes human dignity and moral considerations over profit and efficiency.
    Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • The text is a philosophical treatise on ethics and human moral progress, and the final column revealed the name Aristocreon, a nephew and disciple of the Stoic philosopher Chrysippus.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • From viral Aldi Finds to tried-and-true products shoppers love to tell their friends about, people love the thrill of discovering something new here.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • That rugged access is part of the appeal for buyers seeking a true escape rather than a weekend cabin with neighbors in sight.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Last year’s Superman was divisive among the hardcore fandom but grossed a very respectable $619 million worldwide, kicking off the new era of DC Studios under co-chairs James Gunn and Peter Safran on a promising note.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2026
  • Payload is up to a quite respectable Ford Maverick-edging 1,550 lb (703 kg), and towing capacity doubles from initial projections to 2,000 lb (907 kg).
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Can its legions drink that much beer and still be conscientious enough to clear away the trash?
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2026
  • Trea Turner was conscientious enough to wait for his double-play partner, Bryson Stott, who had authored one of the finest games of his career.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Neither side has been shy of attacking, which has been a nice change of pace compared with the first couple of knockout stage matches.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026
  • Been shooting some nice low scores in these last couple weeks outs here, so that’s something good to pat myself on the back.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Shah adds that many women feel their best when ferritin levels are at least between 40 and 70 ng/ml for optimal energy and hair health, even if lab ranges suggest lower levels are ‘normal’.
    Tatiana Dias, Vogue, 30 June 2026
  • Los Angeles stretches its NL West lead to 11 games and maintains MLB’s best record as Ohtani’s star power turns Sacramento’s nominal home crowd into a roaring Dodgers road show.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ethical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ethical. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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