virtue

noun

ˈvər-(ˌ)chü How to pronounce virtue (audio)
Definition of virtuenext
1
as in distinction
a quality that gives something special worth the virtue of wool as a clothing material is that it can provide insulation from the cold even when wet

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in morality
conduct that conforms to an accepted standard of right and wrong a lady of honor and virtue

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in heroism
strength of mind to carry on in spite of danger a military hero whose virtue inspired a nation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 virtue The virtue-signaling and pandering and gaslighting would end. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026 Odysseus’ men have set fire to Troy, blinded the Cyclops and raided the island of the Laestrygonians, repeatedly choosing their own interests over the virtue of xenia, or hospitality, that the film stresses is central to Greek culture. — Bailey Sincox, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026 Compassion leads his decisions, in line with Leo’s virtue and purity of heart. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026 As Colorado dries up in a historic drought, scofflaws violating water restrictions have sparked tension throughout the state’s largest metropolitan area, turning residential streets into checkerboards of virtue and vice. — Annie Gowen, Washington Post, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for virtue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virtue
  1. distinction
  2. morality
  3. heroism
  4. advantage
  5. integrity
  6. courage
  7. value
  8. honesty
Noun
  • There is an important distinction between making cement less polluting and actually removing CO₂ from the atmosphere.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Schore makes a similar distinction when discussing workplace anger.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of distinction
Noun
  • On the other side, morality is supposed to protect people’s personal autonomy and freedom, even when others in their community dislike or disagree with their choices.
    — Jen Cole Wright, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Fischer studies cultural anthropology, specializing in matters of economics and moralities.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of morality
Noun
  • And yet, there the fans were, rally caps on, ready to believe in another mighty comeback—to read heroism into a story that could also be told, perhaps more accurately, in terms of swing decisions and contact points.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
  • This reflects that sustainable organizations are built around core values and people who embody them consistently, not around individual heroism.
    — Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of heroism
Noun
  • The Democrat leads Republican challenger Mike Collins in every major public poll, holds a massive fundraising advantage and is now trying to peel away GOP voters.
    — Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called out his struggling club after a 6-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday cost them a significant tiebreaker in the race for home-field advantage.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of advantage
Noun
  • The idea is to preserve their physical integrity and maintain their sacred aura.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Both sides of the political aisle have voiced worries about the integrity of the salt caverns.
    — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of integrity
Noun
  • None of this would exist without the ones who came before us, that first generation that had the courage to leave everything behind.
    — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Leadership roles or intimidating pivots that require you to have courage are no exception.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of courage
Noun
  • His position on Saturday, and his performance, will offer clarity about who the Eagles value in their depth along the offensive line — and where.
    — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • She is alleged to have touted that the company had a potential future value of more than $4 billion.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of value
Noun
  • The host then praises the coach's honesty and the panel's grace.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Both help make the case that unfamous people, in all their honesty and complexity, are as worthy of our attention as celebrities.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of honesty

Phrases Containing virtue

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virtually
virtue
virtueless
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Cite this Entry

“Virtue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virtue. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on virtue

Nglish: Translation of virtue for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about virtue

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