morality

noun

plural moralities
Synonyms of morality
1
a
: a doctrine or system of moral conduct
… the basic law which an adequate morality ought to state.Marjorie Grene
b
moralities plural : particular moral principles or rules of conduct
… we were all brought up on one of these moralitiesPsychiatry
2
: conformity to ideals of right human conduct
admitted the expediency of the law but questioned its morality
3
: moral conduct : virtue
morality today involves a responsible relationship toward the laws of the natural world …P. B. Sears
4
a
: a moral discourse, statement, or lesson
ended his lecture with a trite morality
b
: a literary or other imaginative work teaching a moral lesson
"Aesop's Fables" is famous as a morality.

Examples of morality in a Sentence

The group is calling for a return to traditional morality. two groups with clashing moralities The decision may be legally justified, but I question its morality.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Fischer studies cultural anthropology, specializing in matters of economics and moralities. Big Think, 2 Aug. 2026 Recent political memoirs by JD Vance, Andy Beshear, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Raphael Warnock focus on God, morality, and religion. Sophie Hills, Christian Science Monitor, 27 July 2026 Early reviews are very positive, spotlighting the messy morality of both the leads and the impact that these horrors have on the people around them. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 24 July 2026 As their pursuit of beauty, knowledge, and transcendence leads them beyond the boundaries of morality, their obsession spirals into secrecy, betrayal, and tragedy. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for morality

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Time Traveler
The first known use of morality was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Morality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/morality. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

morality

noun
plural moralities
1
: moral quality : virtue
judge the morality of an action
2
: a system of moral rules

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