moral compass
noun
plural moral compasses
: a set of beliefs or values that help guide ethical decisions, judgments, and behavior : an internal sense of right and wrong
Mr. Mandela was unique. How often in a generation does a giant walk among us, with brilliance and courage, guided by an immaculate moral compass?—
Tayari Jones
Tayari JonesThere are common causes for lapses in ethical judgment that can include ego, power, greed, fear, compulsion, embarrassment, rationalization, or basic lack of a moral compass.—Kevin Woodhouse
Kevin WoodhouseWomen who work hard to make businesses and communities better and help set our moral compasses with their actions are my heroes.—Edie Boan
Edie Boan
also
: someone or something that serves as a standard for guiding moral choices, judgments, or behavior
Here was the lead character, the show's moral compass, played by its best-known actor—and this is what happens to him? —Kristi Turnquist
Kristi Turnquist In his role as manager of Changes Group Home in New London, Henderson serves as a moral compass for young men who need direction. —Tim Frogerg
Tim Frogerg Examples of moral compass in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
All media, including social media, can and must help forward this country’s return to its moral compass by providing equal coverage of both 2024 presidential candidates.
—Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2024
By Lost’s end, Hurley’s trajectory from loser to leader had established him as the show’s moral compass.
—Rebecca Bodenheimer, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2024
In a dangerous world, America needs a commander in chief that stands by our allies, stands up to our enemies—and has the judgement and moral compass to know the difference.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
Meredith Hagner as Eve, a woman with unbridled ambition, no moral compass to speak of and a baffling love for her yappy dog.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for moral compass 
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Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2024
By Lost’s end, Hurley’s trajectory from loser to leader had established him as the show’s moral compass.
—Rebecca Bodenheimer, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2024
In a dangerous world, America needs a commander in chief that stands by our allies, stands up to our enemies—and has the judgement and moral compass to know the difference.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
Meredith Hagner as Eve, a woman with unbridled ambition, no moral compass to speak of and a baffling love for her yappy dog.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for moral compass
Dictionary Entries Near moral compass
Cite this Entry
“Moral compass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moral%20compass. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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