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

There 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

Women who work hard to make businesses and communities better and help set our moral compasses with their actions are my heroes.

—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

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

Examples of moral compass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The bootlicker’s moral compass is malleable. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026

Trump’s bombastic, reckless, and often dismissive rhetoric toward our allies would make anyone question our commitment, not to mention our moral compass. —S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026

By reframing effectiveness through the dual lens of character and context integrity, this approach offers a more realistic theory of leadership—one that reconciles the bright and dark sides and emphasizes the moral compass leaders need to advance the common good. —Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Like Capricorn’s celestial ruler, Saturn, Evan operates with an internal moral compass, often carrying the weight of accountability for those around him. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for moral compass

• encompass
• rumpus

Kids Definition

moral compass

noun

: a set of beliefs or values that help guide ethical decisions, judgments, and behavior : an internal sense of right and wrong