morality
noun
mo·ral·i·ty
mə-ˈra-lə-tē 
mȯ-
plural moralities
1
a
: a doctrine or system of moral conduct
… the basic law which an adequate morality ought to state.—
Marjorie Grene
Marjorie Grene
b
moralities plural
: particular moral principles or rules of conduct
… we were all brought up on one of these moralities …—Psychiatry
Psychiatry2
: 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
P. B. Sears4
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
The best in the genre are morality tales that deftly mine their themes without getting too heavy-handed, exploring the intricacies of human nature.
—Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
One story challenges the notion that contact with another species is likely to lead to conflict, instead tying the evolution of human morality to a symbiotic relationship with an alien race.
—Alexandra Oliva, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
In a modern world where toxic online influencers like Andrew Tate and Clavicular preach sexism and looks above morality, Offerman is happy to offer a real-life alternative, in both his roles and his personal conduct.
—William Earl, Variety, 10 June 2026
The Pope’s encyclical focuses on humanity and demands that power be constrained by morality.
—Vilas Dhar, Time, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for morality
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Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
One story challenges the notion that contact with another species is likely to lead to conflict, instead tying the evolution of human morality to a symbiotic relationship with an alien race.
—Alexandra Oliva, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
In a modern world where toxic online influencers like Andrew Tate and Clavicular preach sexism and looks above morality, Offerman is happy to offer a real-life alternative, in both his roles and his personal conduct.
—William Earl, Variety, 10 June 2026
The Pope’s encyclical focuses on humanity and demands that power be constrained by morality.
—Vilas Dhar, Time, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for morality
Cite this Entry
“Morality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/morality. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
morality
noun
mo·ral·i·ty
mə-ˈral-ət-ē
plural moralities
1
: moral quality : virtue
judge the morality of an action
2
: a system of moral rules
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