morality

noun

mə-ˈra-lə-tē How to pronounce morality (audio)
Definition of moralitynext
1
as in virtue
conduct that conforms to an accepted standard of right and wrong given his reputation for unswerving morality, scandal of any kind would wreck his political career

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in principles
the code of good conduct for an individual or group the morality that members of the Mafia are expected to adhere to—or suffer the consequences

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 morality Expect plenty of action, interpersonal tensions and philosophical dilemmas around destiny and morality. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026 In an interview, Worner said that while saints are ultimately mortal and therefore not perfect, there is a certain criterion of morality decided by a multitude of individuals. — Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026 Religious horror films offer narratives of meaning, mystery, and morality, shaping how power, belief, and the body—both pure and possessed—are understood. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 July 2026 The leader is the head of state, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and has authority over the national police and morality police. — Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for morality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for morality
  1. virtue
  2. norms
  3. integrity
  4. standards
  5. honesty
  6. goodness
  7. character
  8. rightness
Noun
  • Gilchrest’s beef – dressed up as a virtue – is that so few people have contributed anything to her.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026
  • This famed chemist had previously extolled the virtues of fertilizer as the answer to soil exhaustion, so his sudden reversal on the issue left a lasting impression on his contemporaries.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
Definition of virtue
Noun
  • This unconventional throuple in the quiet suburbs of North London challenged societal norms, lasting 10 years.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 23 July 2026
  • In the pre-AI world, most roles and required skills were focused on compliance, processes, organizational norms and deep, single-function skill sets.
    — Fred Voccola, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of norms
Noun
  • Without occasional fire, peat layers would build up and overwhelm the integrity of the swamp.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
  • Trump has repeatedly raised concerns about election integrity in recent weeks and months as November’s midterm elections approach, alleging that federal elections are not adequately secure.
    — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026
Definition of integrity
Noun
  • The board sets education policy, maintains academic standards, and oversees educational licenses and the accreditation system.
    — Zuri Primos July 26, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • In the absence of so many senior stars in the wake of the World Cup, Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez have stepped up, helping to set the standards for the youngsters who have been included on this pre-season tour to the United States.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 25 July 2026
Definition of standards
Noun
  • Making good on his promise in The Holdovers, Dominic Sessa is excellent in the role, nailing the contradictory aspects of a slippery character while mapping his coming-of-age arc with empathy and honesty.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026
  • An honesty first, the kind the easy version of this argument would skip.
    — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of honesty
Noun
  • And, more importantly, the first honest-to-goodness college football game of the season arrives in just 45 days.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 15 July 2026
  • Banana Bread Cereal Treats bind the two desserts with buttery, marshmallow goodness.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 13 July 2026
Definition of goodness
Noun
  • None of the characters has a convincing motivation for their actions or words.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 30 July 2026
  • Nolan has cited Wilson's translation in discussing his approach to the film, but Wilson says she was disappointed with the adaptation — and especially by Nolan's rendering of the central character.
    — Dave Davies, NPR, 29 July 2026
Definition of character
Noun
  • Cool Machine is definitive not only for its sweep but also for the rightness, the evocative precision, of the details that fill its paragraphs like the mystery mix inside the skin of a Gray’s Papaya hot dog.
    — David Hajdu, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026
  • If the Sun is high in the lunar sky during the flyby, there will be few shadows, and the crew will be looking for subtle variations in surface color and rightness.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of rightness

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morality
morality play
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Cite this Entry

“Morality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/morality. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on morality

Nglish: Translation of morality for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about morality

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