moral compass
noun
plural moral compasses
: a set of beliefs or values that help guide ethical decisions, judgments, and behavior : an internal sense of right and wrong
Mr. Mandela was unique. How often in a generation does a giant walk among us, with brilliance and courage, guided by an immaculate moral compass?—
Tayari Jones
Tayari JonesThere are common causes for lapses in ethical judgment that can include ego, power, greed, fear, compulsion, embarrassment, rationalization, or basic lack of a moral compass.—Kevin Woodhouse
Kevin WoodhouseWomen who work hard to make businesses and communities better and help set our moral compasses with their actions are my heroes.—Edie Boan
Edie Boan
also
: someone or something that serves as a standard for guiding moral choices, judgments, or behavior
Here was the lead character, the show's moral compass, played by its best-known actor—and this is what happens to him? —Kristi Turnquist
Kristi Turnquist In his role as manager of Changes Group Home in New London, Henderson serves as a moral compass for young men who need direction. —Tim Frogerg
Tim Frogerg Examples of moral compass in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This is generally seen as a positive, a sign that there’s a noble human tendency to be guided by our own internal moral compass, to remain faithful to the beliefs inculcated or passed on to us by our parents, caregivers, or cultural upbringing.
—Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Her Chani provides the moral compass and makes the romance feel real.
VILLENEUVE: Paul is the main character, but Chani is our moral compass.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 14 Nov. 2024
Living authentically and maintaining a consistent moral compass is essential for effective leadership.
—Gabriel McCurtis, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
During the trial, Ellison explained how her moral compass was warped by her desire for Bankman-Fried's approval.
—Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 24 Sep. 2024
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Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Her Chani provides the moral compass and makes the romance feel real.
VILLENEUVE: Paul is the main character, but Chani is our moral compass.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 14 Nov. 2024
Living authentically and maintaining a consistent moral compass is essential for effective leadership.
—Gabriel McCurtis, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
During the trial, Ellison explained how her moral compass was warped by her desire for Bankman-Fried's approval.
—Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 24 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for moral compass
Dictionary Entries Near moral compass
Cite this Entry
“Moral compass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moral%20compass. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
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