Definitions

virtuous

[vur-choo-uhs] / ˈvɜr tʃu əs /

ADJECTIVE

good; ethical; innocent

Synonyms

STRONGEST

honest honorable noble principled righteous wholesome

WEAK

blameless celibate chaste clean-living effective effectual efficient excellent exemplary faithful guiltless high-principled in the clear incorruptible inculpable irreprehensible legit moral moralistic on the level on the up and up praiseworthy pure regular right-minded spotless straight true-blue unsullied untainted untarnished up front upright without reproach worthy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bad dishonest

WEAK

sinful unethical vile wicked

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It's yet to be seen whether this is a virtuous circle that never stops, or whether Mercedes will reach diminishing returns and McLaren can catch up.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

But DePetro may be one of the more virtuous characters here.

From Slate • Feb. 23, 2026

Most beloved vegetable dishes have a little flourish — one element that tips them from virtuous to irresistible.

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026

“We are looking to fully capitalize on this virtuous cycle.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

If Washington was the epitome of the virtuous leader who subordinated personal interest to the public good, Burr was a kind of anti-Washington, who manipulated the public interest for his own inscrutable purposes.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Vocabulary lists containing virtuous

"The Odyssey" by Homer, Books 1–7

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Thumbs Up: Synonyms for "Good"

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Much Ado About Nothing

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