moralizing 1 of 3

as in sermonic
marked by or given to preaching moral values I found the novel's moralizing tone a bit much for beach reading

Synonyms & Similar Words

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moralizing

2 of 3

noun

moralizing

3 of 3

verb

present participle of moralize

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 moralizing
Noun
After all the moralizing from the media in the early days of COVID, under Biden everything was suddenly fine. David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025 Or the moralizing at the end of the show, when the audience, in sympathy with the Phantom, is asked to unmask. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025 Unfortunately, the bulk of the requisite moralizing falls mainly to Palmer’s socially conscious Elena, saddled with one too many speeches about making a difference, which puts a damper on the actress’ customary energetic spark. Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moralizing
Noun
  • Jim Bakker typically handled the preaching on the show while his wife did the singing.
    Adam Bell, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Jud sees faith as redemptive, having turned to it after causing the death of a fellow boxer in his youth, while Wicks uses shame in his preaching.
    Esther Zuckerman, Time, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Since exiting Dries Van Noten a few years ago, Scallon has been working as an independent consultant and mentor in fashion communications strategy, also lecturing occasionally and sharing his views about creative content on podcasts.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The same woman Don had been lecturing about beer.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Taken together, these triumphal and tragic elements constitute the ingredients for an epic historical narrative that defies all moralistic categories, a story rooted in the coexistence of grandeur and failure, brilliance and blindness, grace and sin.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Initially, bedtime stories tended to be moralistic tales designed to reinforce obedience and proper behavior.
    David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • If all that is a little too cerebral, viewers can wait out the pontificating until the next performance comes along.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Much of Iran’s clandestine cinema, including some of Panahi’s earlier works, is didactic, focused on valorizing the victims of the regime’s injustices.
    Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2025
  • It was considered immoral to lie and the whole point of writing things down back then was to increase morality and improve society, so there really is no didactic history of forgery.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The exhortation from players and fans alike is directed toward Bubacarr Jallow, and encapsulates the unique, aggressive style the senior defender and midfielder exudes.
    Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Who knows — this one might, in tiny increments, one acoustic guitar lick or exhortation to live fully at a time.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • My goal is to bring positive vibes to hip-hop without being preachy or judgmental, and the music being fire.
    Gary Graff, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2025
  • This overtly political, preachy and unfunny?
    Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • During Black’s Last Man Standing Match against Damian Priest, Vega made a crucial appearance, providing interference that allowed Black to secure the victory.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss is one of the best in the NFL at his position, yet he has been flagged for defensive pass interference more than anyone in the league this season.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Moralizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moralizing. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

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