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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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
  • Here is what that looks like in mine, offered as practice rather than virtue.
    — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • There are of course also individuals who are just narcissistic, selfish and virtue-signaling under the guise of concern, sources said.
    — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
Definition of virtue
Noun
  • Western analysts have raised concerns that Beijing’s expanding role setting global norms around AI will enable it to export the norms of its own highly restrictive media and internet environment.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • Your senior hires need a circle that includes a sponsor from senior leadership, a peer who can help explain unwritten norms, an operational navigator to remove administrative obstacles.
    — Zaharia-Gabriel Sidere, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of norms
Noun
  • Georgia Bedell contends that the Planning and Zoning Commission last winter didn’t do a meaningful review of the effect on air quality, water contamination nor the integrity of the nearby aquifer.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
  • Emotional intelligence and leadership humility help executives to lead with integrity and accountability, which fosters a culture of respect and continuous improvement.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of integrity
Noun
  • Its economy is struggling, public services are strained and improvements in living standards have slowed to a crawl in recent decades.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Lax safety standards and problems with overcrowding frequently result in accidents.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
Definition of standards
Noun
  • Instead, that honesty built real trust with our community and clients.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Positive reviews often mention a high level of professionalism and honesty, while some negative feedback points to paying high fees that did not result in any tax resolution.
    — Adam Palasciano, USA Today, 21 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
  • Each chamber in the intimate inn has its own character, and pairs thoughtful amenities with tech-forward convenience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 July 2026
  • Mineral-rich soils can add structure and mouthfeel, while climate affects sweetness, body, floral character and astringency.
    — Jill Barth, Forbes.com, 22 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

Browse Nearby Words

moralists
morality
morality play
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Morality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/morality. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on morality

Nglish: Translation of morality for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about morality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of maverick

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
thumbnail graphic with text word of the day quiz
Weekly "Word of the Day" Quiz See how well you know each Word of the Day for Ju...
See All