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 narratives shift, time ticks away, and conflicting rumors spread, with the hostages’ lives hanging in the balance, Geoff grapples with tough decisions while confronting his own moral compass.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 21 July 2024
Maybe Kelley wants parents to take a second to consider what destroying the climate and electing criminals has done to our children’s moral compass.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 July 2024
Build character The development of a strong moral compass can help children make healthy decisions.
—Amy Morin, Parents, 3 July 2024
The whisper that offers a moral compass, drive, and advice.
—Alicia Ramírez, refinery29.com, 15 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for moral compass 
Leo Barraclough, Variety, 21 July 2024
Maybe Kelley wants parents to take a second to consider what destroying the climate and electing criminals has done to our children’s moral compass.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 July 2024
Build character The development of a strong moral compass can help children make healthy decisions.
—Amy Morin, Parents, 3 July 2024
The whisper that offers a moral compass, drive, and advice.
—Alicia Ramírez, refinery29.com, 15 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for moral compass
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'moral compass.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 19 Aug. 2024.
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