moral authority
noun
: trustworthiness to make decisions that are right and good
The scandal has undermined the government's moral authority.
Examples of moral authority in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Although it is often presented as an expression of sheer force, its effectiveness ultimately rests on something softer – the manner in which a government performs moral authority and projects credibility to the world.
—
Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2026
The former shattered the regime’s moral authority.
—Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
Becker writes about her friends with moral authority and empathy.
—Literary Hub, 19 Dec. 2025
Thant’s accomplishments are all the more impressive because the position of secretary-general carries no real power—except for the moral authority to speak for the world as a whole.
—Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for moral authority
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Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2026
The former shattered the regime’s moral authority.
—Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
Becker writes about her friends with moral authority and empathy.
—Literary Hub, 19 Dec. 2025
Thant’s accomplishments are all the more impressive because the position of secretary-general carries no real power—except for the moral authority to speak for the world as a whole.
—Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for moral authority
Cite this Entry
“Moral authority.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moral%20authority. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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