NYT Dictionary

ETHICAL

/ˈɛθɪkəl/
AdjectiveNounETH-ic-aleth-ic-al · 3 syllablesGrade 12

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2022, 2026

Meaning

Of or relating to the study of ethics.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

From ethic + -al, from Late Latin ethicus (“moral, ethical”), from Ancient Greek ἠθικός (ēthikós, “of or for morals, moral, expressing character”), from ἦθος (êthos, “character, moral nature”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

honorablehonourableblamelesschastechristiancleanconscientiouscreditabledecentdeferential

Antonyms

unethical

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle, including a pangram:

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