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

There 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

Women who work hard to make businesses and communities better and help set our moral compasses with their actions are my heroes.

—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

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

moral compass

noun

: a set of beliefs or values that help guide ethical decisions, judgments, and behavior : an internal sense of right and wrong