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
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Tina Fey communicated moral authority by shredding the misogyny of the 2000s; Seth Meyers brought a wry humanism while also coming off like the world’s most exasperated MSNBC addict; Norm MacDonald crossed every possible line and didn’t seem too worried about it.
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Michael Tedder, The Atlantic, 17 May 2025
Today, the office of the pope is widely perceived to be one of moral authority.
—Elizabeth Dias, New York Times, 8 May 2025
Even in 2025, when fewer Americans identify as religious, the pope will still be a moral authority—but his direct political power remains more limited, experts told Newsweek.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
There’s a magic trick to building a story around the villain, and if justice is the endgame, it really should be doled out expeditiously; otherwise, the narrative loses its moral authority of fundamental opposition to its central character.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
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Michael Tedder, The Atlantic, 17 May 2025
Today, the office of the pope is widely perceived to be one of moral authority.
—Elizabeth Dias, New York Times, 8 May 2025
Even in 2025, when fewer Americans identify as religious, the pope will still be a moral authority—but his direct political power remains more limited, experts told Newsweek.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
There’s a magic trick to building a story around the villain, and if justice is the endgame, it really should be doled out expeditiously; otherwise, the narrative loses its moral authority of fundamental opposition to its central character.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 25 Apr. 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 25 May. 2025.
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