Antonyms for
virtue
Accordance with moral principles
2 antonyms 6 letters

Found 2 Antonyms for Virtue

Words with the opposite meaning to virtue:

fault
demerit

1 of these 2 words has its own antonym network. Click any highlighted word to explore its alternatives. The others are shown for reference.

All Definitions for Virtue

Below are all the dictionary definitions of virtue:

1Accordance with moral principles
2Conformity of behaviour or thought with the strictures of morality
3Good moral conduct.
4: (uncountable) The idea of all that is good or excellent (in every sense of those terms) in a human being, collectively instantiated by a varying number of human traits known as "the virtues", the enumeration of which vary by the many virtue systems which have developed within different cultures, religions, and historical periods.
5An attribute of a personality (a "personality trait") which predisposes a person to behaviors resulting in human goodness
6An admirable quality.
7A particular manifestation of moral excellence in a person.
8Specifically, each of several qualities held to be particularly important, including the four cardinal virtues, the three theological virtues, or the seven virtues opposed to the seven deadly sins.
9An inherently advantageous or excellent quality of something or someone
10A favourable point, an advantage.
11Specifically, moral conduct in sexual behaviour, especially of women
12Chastity.
13A creature embodying divine power, specifically one of the orders of heavenly beings, traditionally ranked above angels and archangels, and below seraphim and cherubim.
14The inherent power or efficacy of something (now only in phrases).
15The inherent power of a god, or other supernatural being.
16A surname.

Writing Tips

  • Use antonyms to create contrast and emphasize differences.
  • Pair antonyms in parallel structure for rhetorical impact.
  • Not all antonyms are perfectly opposite — check context.
  • Using antonyms improves clarity by showing what something is not.
Frequently Asked Questions

What are antonyms for virtue?

Words like fault, demerit are common antonyms for virtue. These words express opposite or contrasting meanings and can be used to create contrast in writing.

How many antonyms does virtue have?

We have identified 2 antonyms for virtue in our database. The English language often has multiple words with contrasting meanings.

Can I use these antonyms in formal writing?

Most antonyms listed here are suitable for formal writing, but always check the specific context. Some antonyms carry slightly different connotations or degrees of opposition.

About antonyms for virtue

Finding the right antonym for virtue helps writers create contrast, clarify meaning, and add depth to their work. Defined as "Accordance with moral principles", virtue has 2 opposite words that can be used to express contrasting ideas.

Each antonym carries a slightly different shade of opposition. Fault is the most direct opposite in most situations. Demerit works well when the context calls for a more nuanced contrast.

When choosing an antonym, consider the connotation, formality level, and audience. Some alternatives work better in casual conversation while others shine in academic or professional writing. For example, using a more formal antonym in a business email can elevate your tone, while a casual antonym might feel more natural in creative writing or dialogue.

It is also worth noting that not all antonyms are perfectly interchangeable. The context of your sentence, the surrounding words, and the intended emotional impact all play a role in selecting the best opposite word. The list above provides the most common and useful antonyms for virtue, but always read your sentence aloud to ensure the chosen word flows naturally.