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
Ron Funches stars as Rock, an aspiring model and member of the trio with the biggest heart and moral compass; Thomas Lennon as Paper, the wannabe intellectual who dreams of being a famous inventor; and Carlos Alazraqui as Scissors, who acts overly confident and always wants to be cool.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025
The Chouinard family still sits on the board, providing a moral compass and sense of purpose in a business environment where such bearings are rare.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
It’s connected to your crown chakra and represents your identity, sense of self, and moral compass.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 11 Apr. 2025
Innies and outies, Severance has emphasized throughout Season 2, are essentially different people with distinct personalities, needs, desires, and moral compasses.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2025
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Denise Petski, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025
The Chouinard family still sits on the board, providing a moral compass and sense of purpose in a business environment where such bearings are rare.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
It’s connected to your crown chakra and represents your identity, sense of self, and moral compass.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 11 Apr. 2025
Innies and outies, Severance has emphasized throughout Season 2, are essentially different people with distinct personalities, needs, desires, and moral compasses.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for moral compass
Cite this Entry
“Moral compass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moral%20compass. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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