moralism

noun

mor·​al·​ism ˈmȯr-ə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce moralism (audio)
ˈmär-
Synonyms of moralismnext
1
a
: the habit or practice of moralizing
b
: a conventional moral attitude or saying
2
: an often exaggerated emphasis on morality (as in politics)

Synonyms

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Examples of moralism in a Sentence

The candidate's campaign was doomed by an incessant moralism that came across as condescension.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Trend forecasters were proclaiming that Trump’s reelection represented a cultural shake-up in addition to a governmental one, replacing the stiff moralism of wokeness with cowboy rowdiness and chic nihilism. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2025 The Return of the Global South Realism, not moralism, drives a new critique of western power. — Kal Raustiala, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2024 Opponents of the movement argued that concern for animals was merely sentimental moralism that impeded progress. — Barbara Spindel, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 June 2024 That roughing in of a few sharper edges parallels the addition of Victorian moralism to the animal world. — Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 8 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for moralism

Word History

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of moralism was in 1674

Rhymes for moralism

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Cite this Entry

“Moralism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moralism. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about moralism

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