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

As the play weaves through time, the focuses on the actions done for the benefit of Joe’s family, and his wife Kate’s moral compass, creating brutal conflicts. —David John Chávez, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026

Shawn, famous for his moral compass, diagnoses the world on a lucky/unlucky axis, and imagines the upside of apocalypse. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026

King believed in the Constitution and rule of law serving as a legal and moral compass addressing the importance of adhering to these laws and govern us as human beings. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026

As Cancer signs are protective, empathic and deeply attuned to emotional undercurrents, the actor is able to embody that as his character Evan serves as the group’s moral compass. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 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