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Definition of moralnext
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moral

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective moral differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of moral are ethical, noble, righteous, and virtuous. While all these words mean "conforming to a standard of what is right and good," moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong.

the basic moral values of a community

When is ethical a more appropriate choice than moral?

The synonyms ethical and moral are sometimes interchangeable, but ethical may suggest the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity.

committed to the highest ethical principles

When might noble be a better fit than moral?

Although the words noble and moral have much in common, noble implies moral eminence and freedom from anything petty, mean, or dubious in conduct and character.

had the noblest of reasons for seeking office

In what contexts can righteous take the place of moral?

In some situations, the words righteous and moral are roughly equivalent. However, righteous stresses guiltlessness or blamelessness and often suggests the sanctimonious.

wished to be righteous before God and the world

When could virtuous be used to replace moral?

While the synonyms virtuous and moral are close in meaning, virtuous implies moral excellence in character.

not a religious person, but virtuous nevertheless

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of moral
Adjective
Principles like the moral equality of persons, the principle that everyone deserves dignity and respect, and that people should not be judged on the basis of morally irrelevant features beyond their control. Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026 Their prediction market patience is likely not the result of a superior moral code. Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
While the moral comes through loud and clear, that’s largely because the film’s bland depiction of slumberland isn’t a fraction as well-realized — or even as fun! David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 7 Nov. 2025 The moral of its story is that becoming a stereotype can lead to someone’s demise, especially for Black women who are left vulnerable and unprotected when their community falls apart. Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for moral
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moral
Adjective
  • Find a tax preparer, but first review the agency's tips to find an ethical one.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
  • However, ethical leadership requires a clear boundary between policy disagreement and the normalization — or tacit justification — of violence.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Clarke, a junior, also was an honorable-mention All-Big Ten selection after totaling 30 tackles, eight passes defended and a fumble recovery in eight games.
    Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Other than honorable discharges carry serious, long-term consequences, including the inability to access veteran benefits and disqualifications on becoming a police officer.
    Josh Wood, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Barton gave the jury the impression of a man prepared to go into daily combat on numerous fronts, constantly fighting one battle after another, in service of his principles.
    Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • To address the challenges at hand, a measured approach is needed, grounded in the basic principle of respect for human rights, as declared by the UN Human Rights Commission at Colombia’s request in July 2023.
    Gustavo Petro, Time, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet, to be honest, our dance card is already mighty full with a whole array of different kinds of gigs – from big pop shows to classic rock concerts and a number of different small club shows.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Shared finances, emotional investments or trust issues become crystal clear, prompting honest conversations and practical decision-making.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Bindi’s only six years older, but is very conscientious and a real caregiver.
    Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
  • There are unanswered overtures from the choir’s pianist Horner (Robert Emms), a soft, vulnerable young man whose conscientious-objector status renders him a fellow outsider.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Olathe’s trajectory mirrors what’s happening across Johnson County — which saw more than 90% of the homes go up in value in 2024, with the average home prices sitting at $508,000 and average sale price at $557,000.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Cultural, linguistic, and value-based assimilation challenges arise, potentially altering national identities and eroding civilizational confidence.
    Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This is especially true for plants that are marginally hardy in your area, as well as common perennials like woodland phlox, lamb’s ear, and hardy geraniums.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Fellow true freshman Joshua Moore should be in line for a bigger role next season as well.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Those are, indeed, pat, credible theories and predictions.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
  • But now, in the planet’s capital city of Apperax, a murder is committed with no suspects, forensics or theories.
    Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Moral.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moral. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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