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 Sir Patrick Stewart's most famous characters tackled concepts such as honor, morality and courage. — Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026 Such is the inverted morality of this world that Hesione is relieved to learn that Ellie has in fact arranged an assignation with the handsome Hector, who has flirted with the young woman under a flagrant alias. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 The biggest threat to your car was once a coat hanger combined with a questionable sense of morality. — Mike McRae 20, New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026 The ripeness of the material was, for him, in its depiction of morality. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 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
  • Its main virtues for gluten-free eaters are a dedicated fryer and incredibly good french fries—available as a stand-alone side or, even better, as part of steak frites.
    — Luke Pyenson, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The slight reproach to which the virtue of patriotism is commonly liable, the noble are most likely to incur.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of virtue
Noun
  • Ideas expressed in the piece The column argues that Texas’ mid-decade redistricting was a brazen attempt to improve Republicans’ electoral prospects, but says California’s response—Proposition 50—was also a serious breach of democratic norms.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Major League Baseball continues to evolve beyond its traditional norms.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of norms
Noun
  • Our team is working across Mississippi to monitor the remaining ballots and protect the integrity of the process.
    — BILL BARROW, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
  • However, Israel’s Central Elections Committee said the integrity of the election had not been compromised, according to Reuters on November 5.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of integrity
Noun
  • Breakfast deserves special mention for its thoughtful inclusion of Swahili and Kenyan specialities alongside continental standards.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • In short, the letter said, voluntary standards have had decades to work but haven’t delivered enough on their own.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of standards
Noun
  • Estin said comedy needs emotional honesty, while serious drama needs humor to help people face it.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Nov. 2026
  • They are defined by their ability to have them with honesty, respect and mutual trust.
    — Julien Fortuit, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of honesty
Noun
  • Thank goodness, in other words, for the backfield being able to get up field.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Of course, for purposes of character arc, one of those good ones has to wake up to his own goodness.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of goodness
Noun
  • The annual award recognizes the top high school football player in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties, honoring not only athletic excellence but also leadership, character, academics and sportsmanship.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Another urged commissioners to preserve the area’s character while allowing for development.
    — Eric Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of character
Noun
  • Somehow, this fact seems to echo the rightness of the way things are naturally formed in the world—like the coloring of rock formations or the markings on an animal’s hide.
    — Artforum, Artforum, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Christ Jesus demonstrated the rightness of God’s divine action in situations where people, natural elements, or situations seemed completely out of control.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of rightness

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moralists
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 13 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on morality

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about morality

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