morality

noun

mo·​ral·​i·​ty mə-ˈra-lə-tē How to pronounce morality (audio)
mȯ-
plural moralities
Synonyms of moralitynext
1
a
: a doctrine or system of moral conduct
… the basic law which an adequate morality ought to state.Marjorie Grene
b
moralities plural : particular moral principles or rules of conduct
… we were all brought up on one of these moralitiesPsychiatry
2
: conformity to ideals of right human conduct
admitted the expediency of the law but questioned its morality
3
: moral conduct : virtue
morality today involves a responsible relationship toward the laws of the natural world …P. B. Sears
4
a
: a moral discourse, statement, or lesson
ended his lecture with a trite morality
b
: a literary or other imaginative work teaching a moral lesson
"Aesop's Fables" is famous as a morality.

Examples of morality in a Sentence

The group is calling for a return to traditional morality. two groups with clashing moralities The decision may be legally justified, but I question its morality.
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.
And so as a result of all of this, chocolate is wrapped up with many different emotions that link in many ways to our own morality or a sense of guilt. Dana Taylor, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026 Borders are lines drawn by governments and enforced by force, not by nature or morality. Literary Hub, 11 Feb. 2026 This also underlines how the admirably, anti-tank Heat are being asked to save civilization, protect The Republic, maintain a sense of morality in an immoral world and protect our children’s tomorrow from an accelerated descent into nihilism. Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026 Amanda Askell's job is to try to teach Claude a sense of morality, or how to be good. Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for morality

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Time Traveler
The first known use of morality was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Morality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/morality. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

morality

noun
mo·​ral·​i·​ty mə-ˈral-ət-ē How to pronounce morality (audio)
plural moralities
1
: moral quality : virtue
judge the morality of an action
2
: a system of moral rules

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