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 The poem draws on Greek mythology to weave a morality tale exploring themes of hospitality, hubris, loyalty, temptation, and free will. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 20 July 2026 Yes, these stories have monsters in them, heroic adventures, and black-and-white morality tales. — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026 But there’s a difference between narrating crime scenes at a remove and wrestling with the lingering morality of it all. — Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026 Nolan, energized by the self-restraining power of modern morality, turns an epic poem prosaic. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 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
  • Deliberation remains one of higher education's greatest virtues.
    — David Rosowsky, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • But if this move was taken in good faith — lower your eyebrows, please — then what was the virtue in keeping it secret?
    — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of virtue
Noun
  • These same advantages have strengthened Washington’s ability to shape global legal norms.
    — Mark Jia, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026
  • And despite the ongoing crisis, there is still no consensus on the basic democratic norms needed for stable governance, said Saint-Armand, who teaches at the State University of Haiti in Limonade in northern Haiti.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of norms
Noun
  • The commissioner stressed approaching it with integrity and respect, without specifically defining the league’s stance.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • But development at an adjacent lot may threaten the building’s integrity, so 381 Lafayette Street is on the market with New York real estate firm Newmark.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of integrity
Noun
  • Manchester United have, by elite Premier League standards, had a quiet summer 2026 window.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • When the agency tried to make those standards mandatory in 2023, states challenged the rule, and it was withdrawn.
    — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of standards
Noun
  • Consider refreshing your profile photo today, because comfort and honesty reinforce your confidence.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Children’s television tries to address that confusion by depicting divorce with some degree of honesty and sensitivity.
    — Patricia Fersch, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of honesty
Noun
  • Topped with macadamia nuts and basil and swimming in stracciatella goodness, this dish is a fun, Florida take on the traditional Italian starter.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • That post, by the way, got 301,000 views — or about one-third as many as the one declaring God's goodness.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of goodness
Noun
  • The character at its center is Bret Easton Ellis — played here by Igby Rigney, who does look eerily like the author’s high-school yearbook photo — and the book and series are largely inspired by Ellis’s real-life senior year at the Buckley School.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The show has new characters and a fresh storyline for Los Angeles.
    — Hunter Sowards, CBS News, 6 Aug. 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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Cite this Entry

“Morality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/morality. Accessed 10 Aug. 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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