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

For millennia, trees have stood as emblems of the profound interconnectedness of all living things, central to the universe’s structural integrity and humanity’s moral compass. —Ellen Walker, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2025

In contrast to Nick, the itinerant Liam is more of a Jack the Lad, and his floating moral compass will be tested in the drama that unfolds. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2025

Peril and Promise is both a practical guide and a moral compass, urging those in leadership roles to lead not from fear but from purpose. —Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025

People have been calling her the moral compass. —Taryn Finley, Refinery29, 18 Aug. 2025

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