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
As the film’s moral compass, Elliot urges the group to leave the creature be, but when the discovery leads to unprecedented miracle cures, the pharma-rich Leopolds instantly see dollar signs.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2025
Looney is the club’s moral compass and an impactful rebounder and defender.
—Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025
The Night Agent upped the ante in its second outing, with Peter becoming enmeshed in a chemical weapons threat and (gulp) unwittingly swaying a presidential election that sends his moral compass spinning.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 Jan. 2025
Trump’s moral compass seems to redirect him to a path of rocky recriminations and grievances.
—Suzette Hackney, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for moral compass
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Glenn Garner, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2025
Looney is the club’s moral compass and an impactful rebounder and defender.
—Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025
The Night Agent upped the ante in its second outing, with Peter becoming enmeshed in a chemical weapons threat and (gulp) unwittingly swaying a presidential election that sends his moral compass spinning.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 Jan. 2025
Trump’s moral compass seems to redirect him to a path of rocky recriminations and grievances.
—Suzette Hackney, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 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 12 Mar. 2025.
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