Synonyms for

Ethical

Verb / ˈeθɪkʌl / Another word for ethical — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Ethical means relating to principles of right and wrong behavior.

Synonyms & similar words

honorable unethical honourable moral righteous virtuous honest just upright honorable principled decent fair right good scrupulous law-abiding conscientious truthful trustworthy reliable responsible respectable

Synonyms by register

Formal

moral principled virtuous righteous

Informal

good decent right on the level

Literary

virtuous noble upright

Antonyms

unethical immoral wrong corrupt dishonest unprincipled wicked

Common collocations

  • ethical dilemma
  • ethical standards
  • ethical behavior
  • ethical considerations
  • ethical issues
  • ethical guidelines
  • ethical principles
  • ethical conduct

Word family

noun ethics
adjective ethical
adverb ethically

Usage note

Ethical refers to conforming to accepted standards of conduct, often in a professional or moral context. It is distinct from 'empathetic', which means understanding and sharing the feelings of another.

Example sentences

  1. It is ethical to share your toys with your friends.
  2. Doctors have an ethical obligation to do no harm to their patients.
  3. It is not ethical to cheat on a test.
  4. Companies should have ethical business practices.
  5. Being ethical means doing what is right even when no one is watching.

Quotes

  • The first step to be taken by a society which wishes to respect itself is that of freeing its conscience from the weight of ancient and intolerable wrongs committed against defenseless animals. - Albert Schweitzer
  • The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice. - George Eliot
  • The highest result of education is tolerance. - Helen Keller

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