ethical
adjective
eth·i·cal
ˈe-thi-kəl 
variants
or less commonly ethic
1
: of or relating to ethics
ethical theories
2
: involving or expressing moral approval or disapproval
ethical judgments
3
: conforming to accepted standards of conduct
ethical behavior
4
of a drug
: restricted to sale only on a doctor's prescription
Synonyms
Examples of ethical in a Sentence
Some doctors feel that this procedure is not medically ethical.
the ethical behavior expected of every member of the police force
Recent Examples on the Web
His legal and commercial expertise will ensure that Merlin can deliver on its mission of building an ethical, sustainable, and indie-centric world.
—
Thania Garcia, Variety, 2 July 2024
By addressing these problems, the program can enhance its effectiveness, ethical standards and fairness, ultimately contributing more effectively to conservation efforts in Florida.
—Brandon Rahe, Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2024
More:Friendship with benefits offers neither More:Parents are unhappy with current housemates
Identify, develop, or explore your core ethical and/or spiritual beliefs.
—Amy Dickinson, Detroit Free Press, 30 June 2024
Liberian coffee was especially attractive to the American Free Produce movement, with its explicit mandate of using ethical commerce to undermine the global slave trade.
—Bronwen Everill, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for ethical 
Thania Garcia, Variety, 2 July 2024
By addressing these problems, the program can enhance its effectiveness, ethical standards and fairness, ultimately contributing more effectively to conservation efforts in Florida.
—Brandon Rahe, Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2024
More:Friendship with benefits offers neither More:Parents are unhappy with current housemates
Identify, develop, or explore your core ethical and/or spiritual beliefs.
—Amy Dickinson, Detroit Free Press, 30 June 2024
Liberian coffee was especially attractive to the American Free Produce movement, with its explicit mandate of using ethical commerce to undermine the global slave trade.
—Bronwen Everill, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for ethical
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ethical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near ethical
Cite this Entry
“Ethical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethical. Accessed 9 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ethical
adjective
eth·i·cal
ˈeth-i-kəl
1
: of or relating to ethics
2
a
: following accepted rules of conduct
b
: following professional standards of conduct
3
: sold only on a doctor's prescription
ethical drugs
Medical Definition
ethical
1 of 2 adjective
eth·i·cal
ˈeth-i-kəl
variants
also ethic
1
: conforming to accepted professional standards of conduct
2
of a drug
: restricted to sale only on a doctor's prescription
ethical
2 of 2 noun
: an ethical drug
Legal Definition
ethical
adjective
eth·i·cal
ˈe-thi-kəl
1
: of or relating to ethics
2
: conforming to accepted professional standards of conduct
ethically
adverb
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