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

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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 Idolizing the American founding, the Claremonters propose radical, counterrevolutionary action to restore government by consent, shatter the administrative state, and cultivate civic virtue. — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026 We were inculcated with the importance of charity, love toward all, good works and humility, and urged to carry those virtues into adulthood. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 However, modern environments allow people to manufacture or amplify any positive signal (virtue signalling is the common term associated with cheap and fake signalling of virtues that are just meaningless or fake in substance). — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Today, young people are increasingly frustrated with the hypocrisy of politicians lecturing them about the virtues of voting while in practice facilitating disengagement. — David Neil, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 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
  • Corruption talk blurs the distinctions between these three distinct things.
    — Robert Boatright, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
  • For Leo, that distinction comes from making the highly recognizable papal wardrobe part of his own public style.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of distinction
Noun
  • The postliberals want to enforce a Catholic conception of the common good and morality.
    — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The Brothers Karamazov unfurls drama, philosophy, and morality against a vision of 19th-century Russia.
    — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of morality
Noun
  • Against expectation, the film eschews neat narratives about survival and heroism.
    — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
  • For most of his service in the House, Mills’ reputation has been clouded, starting with his campaign boasts of military heroism.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of heroism
Noun
  • The Democrats are in their own civil war, which are giving Republicans an opportunity that historically gives them advantage in this election a problem.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Christian Cage took advantage with a low blow on Matt from behind.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of advantage
Noun
  • Republican supporters say the bill would improve the integrity of elections, including the requirement to show a photo ID.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Two of the highest-ranking law enforcement officials in California are publicly sparring over the integrity of state elections, trading barbs on social media that highlight the fierce partisan divide on the issue heading into the November midterms.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of integrity
Noun
  • As her translator, Anedda’s thought, as well as some of her courage, became part of my existence in the long months such a project entails.
    — Wallis Wilde-Menozzi, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026
  • With their conceit, the clout chasers have turned his courage into a template without asking what made the original worth copying.
    — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of courage
Noun
  • Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority CEO Doug Kreulen said Parton’s life exemplified the values the airport seeks to nurture.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 29 Aug. 2026
  • While several major Wall Street financial institutions are set to report their earnings this week, analysts told CNBC that the market is currently more focused on tech stocks, which now need to prove their value.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of value
Noun
  • Daniel and Shaheen bring such confidence and emotional honesty to the roles.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
  • A touch of honesty from the family running the show goes a long way.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of honesty

Phrases Containing virtue

Browse Nearby Words

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 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on virtue

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about virtue

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