morality

noun

mo·​ral·​i·​ty mə-ˈra-lə-tē How to pronounce morality (audio)
mȯ-
plural moralities
Synonyms of morality
1
a
: a doctrine or system of moral conduct
… the basic law which an adequate morality ought to state.Marjorie Grene
b
moralities plural : particular moral principles or rules of conduct
… we were all brought up on one of these moralitiesPsychiatry
2
: conformity to ideals of right human conduct
admitted the expediency of the law but questioned its morality
3
: moral conduct : virtue
morality today involves a responsible relationship toward the laws of the natural world …P. B. Sears
4
a
: a moral discourse, statement, or lesson
ended his lecture with a trite morality
b
: a literary or other imaginative work teaching a moral lesson
"Aesop's Fables" is famous as a morality.

Examples of morality in a Sentence

The group is calling for a return to traditional morality. two groups with clashing moralities The decision may be legally justified, but I question its morality.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the heart of this debate is a fundamental disagreement about sexuality, morality and identity. Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026 There’s a link between these conscious and unconscious forms of mind control, and for Spielberg Margaret’s eventual coming to consciousness is a matter of fundamental morality. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 June 2026 Specifically saying these white, thin, traditionally feminine bodies are not just aspirational but symbols of morality, tradition, purity. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026 One story challenges the notion that contact with another species is likely to lead to conflict, instead tying the evolution of human morality to a symbiotic relationship with an alien race. Alexandra Oliva, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for morality

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Time Traveler
The first known use of morality was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Morality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/morality. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

morality

noun
mo·​ral·​i·​ty mə-ˈral-ət-ē How to pronounce morality (audio)
plural moralities
1
: moral quality : virtue
judge the morality of an action
2
: a system of moral rules

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